Underlying (long-term) cause - Diem's rule Flashcards
Ngo Dinh Diem’s rule period
26 October 1955 – 2 November 1963
26 October 1955 – 2 November 1963
Ngo Dinh Diem’s rule period
Why US chose Diem
- Diem was from a ruling class family with a political background
- Diem was a Nationalist who had historically opposed the French and Japanese
- Staunchly anti-communist
- Catholic who had trained as a priest
- Diem was from a ruling class family with a political background
- Diem was a Nationalist who had historically opposed the French and Japanese
- Staunchly anti-communist
- Catholic who had trained as a priest
Why US chose Diem
How did Diem come into power
The ruthlessness that Diem showed early on in his rule caused concern for the Emperor Bao Dai who asked him to resign.
In response to this Diem held an election to determine who should rule South Vietnam. The US informed Diem to claim 60-70% of the vote however Diem rigged the elections and subsequently recieved 98.2% of the vote
The ruthlessness that Diem showed early on in his rule caused concern for the Emperor Bao Dai who asked him to resign.
In response to this Diem held an election to determine who should rule South Vietnam. The US informed Diem to claim 60-70% of the vote however Diem rigged the elections and subsequently recieved 98.2% of the vote
How did Diem come into power
The Buddhist Crisis
Diem made it illegal to fly any flag other than that of South Vietnam - the only exception being in 1963 when Catholics flew their flags in a birthday celebration for Archbishop Ngo Dinh Thuck (Diem’s brother).
In protest at the continued pro Catholic policies of Diem, Buddhists flew flags to celebrate Buddha’s birthday. The Government responded by firing on crowds that had gathered to celebrate, killing 9 people (8 of whom were children}.
Demonstrations and government violence ensued, culminating in the Buddhist protest of self immolation, beginning with Tich Quang Duc. Diem claimed the monks were communist and refused to acknowledge their protest.
Diem made it illegal to fly any flag other than that of South Vietnam - the only exception being in 1963 when Catholics flew their flags in a birthday celebration for Archbishop Ngo Dinh Thuck (Diem’s brother).
In protest at the continued pro Catholic policies of Diem, Buddhists flew flags to celebrate Buddha’s birthday. The Government responded by firing on crowds that had gathered to celebrate, killing 9 people (8 of whom were children}.
Demonstrations and government violence ensued, culminating in the Buddhist protest of self immolation, beginning with Tich Quang Duc. Diem claimed the monks were communist and refused to acknowledge their protest.
The Buddhist Crisis
Alienation caused by Diem
Repressive policies led to the alienation of many South Vietnamese peasants and an increase in support for the Viet Cong who were working to overthrow the government.
By 1961 the CIA estimated that 80% of rural South Vietnam was under control of the Viet Cong.
Repressive policies led to the alienation of many South Vietnamese peasants and an increase in support for the Viet Cong who were working to overthrow the government.
By 1961 the CIA estimated that 80% of rural South Vietnam was under control of the Viet Cong.
Alienation caused by Diem
Madame Nhu response to protests (Diem’s wife)
“Let them burn… if the Buddists wish to have another barbecue, I will be glad to supply the gasoline and a match.” - June 1963
“Let them burn… if the Buddists wish to have another barbecue, I will be glad to supply the gasoline and a match.” - June 1963
Madame Nhu response to protests (Diem’s wife)
What was the Strategic Hamlet Project
Devised by Diem and the US in attempt to protect South Vietnamese peasants from the influence of the communist Viet Cong.
What did the SHP plan entail
Villagets moved from their traditional villages and placed in new hamlets heavily defended by bamboo spiked ditches and armed militia. By 1962 Diem claimed that they had relocated 39% of the population.
Devised by Diem and the US in attempt to protect South Vietnamese peasants from the influence of the communist Viet Cong.
What was the Strategic Hamlet Project
