3.1: Reasons for US involvement in the conflict in Vietnam, 1954-63 Flashcards
Event of Dien Bien Phu and French Withdrawl
After WW2 France wanted to regain control of Vietnam (former colony)
The Vietminh led by Ho Chi Minh wanted independence DRV formed. The North and South divided (N=Vietnam S=Freance)
1949 China supported the communist North by giving supplies and troops
USA support strong by 1954 it paid 80% of cost of France’s war with Vietminh
Battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954 led to French loss and surrendered (withdrawed from Vietnam)
The Geneva Accords divided the county into 2. The North was led by Ho Chi Minh and the South was led by Bao Dai until 1955, when Ngo Dinh Diem became president
Reasons for US involvement in Vietnam
Esienhower and domino theory:
Spread of communism within Vietnam feared the USA that other countries would also follow.
South East Asia Treaty set up in September 1954- aimed to stop communism in SE Asia (Asian Truman Doctrine)
Weaknesses of Diam’s government:
Diem was unpopular and corrupt
He had little respect for the rural population and was catholic compared to Buddhists in the South
North Vietnam backed the Vietnam communsits and there was a civil war. Eisenhower supported Diem by sending advisers to train the South Vietnam army (ARVN) to fight the VC (didn’t want to risk nuclear war by sending troops)
Us concerns leading to Diem’s overthrow
Kennedy concerned of Diem effectiveness as a leader:
1963- the ARVN lost that Battle of Ap Bac even though they had US air support and 5 times more soldiers
Media reported the defeat and Kennedy was worried about the negative publicity on Diem’s leadership
6 May Diam govenrment troops shot a Buddhist procession killing 9 and on the 11th of June a Buddhist monk (self-immolated) himself extreme form of protest
Kennedy knew Diem would never be democratic and wanted to stop support.
November 1963- ARVN generals overthrew and assassinated Diem.
What was the Strategic Hamlet Programme and when was it
Diem and the USA built new villages to house locals away from the VC so they could not recruit them- provide security for villagers and support for the government.
ARVN forcibly removed people from their home. However, they did not want to leave. Additionally, provision in villages were scarced leading to USA unpopularity
What was the Geneva conference and Accords
Geneva conference (1945) attempted to restore peace.
The Geneva accords divided Vietnam into 2 countries
What was the Geneva conference and Accords
Geneva conference (1945) attempted to restore peace.
The Geneva accords divided Vietnam into 2 countries
What had Kennedy achieved between 1961-63
Authorised use of chemical spray ‘Agent Orange’ to kill crops and jungle areas the VC hid in from 1961 (Operation Ranch Hand)
He sent advisors to South Vietnam (16,000 more by 1963)
Changed tactics to search for VC fighters, not just drawing them out
