Early Vietnam War 1945-1963 Flashcards
Why did America initially become involved in Vietnam?
To free Vietnam of French colonial rule
The French leave Vietnam in 1956
Along what parallel is Vietnam split and when?
17th parallel in 1954
Who was in charge of South Vietnam?
US backed Diem
Diem was an oppressive nationalist leader
Used harsh and violent tactics to control spread of communism in South Vietnam
Who was in charge of North Vietnam?
Ho Chi Minh
Minh was a communist who rebuilt the North after 1954
Why weren’t the 1956 elections held?
Elections agreed at Geneva Conference
Diem refuses to hold them (is going to lose)
Minh is confident that he is going to win the elections
Why were there problems under Diem’s leadership?
He was catholic unlike the majority of South Vietnam
Most of Vietnam Buddhist
Diem was nepotistic - gave jobs to friends and catholics
South Vietnam supports to show Asia how great capitalism is, but under Diem South Vietnam suffered
What happened in 1963 in South Vietnam?
Diem and his brother were assassinated by the ARVN as the ARVN believed that if Diem continued in power the US was going to withdraw its support.
What was the ARVN?
Army of the Republic of Vietnam
Why did America stay continually involved in Vietnam?
To prevent the domino effect and the spread of Communism.
US involvement under Diem fact
US gave Diem $7 billion in aid between 1956 and 1960
What is the domino effect?
The theory that one political events in one country will cause insular events in neighbouring countries.
Heavily linked to the spread of communism
