US Involvement 1954-63 Flashcards
When and where were the Vietnamese at war with French troops?
March 1954 at Dien Bien Phu
Why were the French and Vietnamese at war?
- France wanted to regain control of Vietnam after losing it to Japan during WW2
- The Vietnamese “Vietminh” (led by Ho Chi Minh) wanted independence from the French
What did the Vietminh want after defeating France?
They announced they would become indpendent after Japan surrendered. They wanted US support but the US were reluctant to provide as they were cautious of potential Communism.
What happened as a result of Ho Chi Minh’ weak support in the South?
The French set up the state of Vietnam in the South which was ruled by Bao Dai, an anti-communist. The US provided military support to Boa Dai and China sent Ho Chi Minh support in the North.
Why did the Vietminh win at Dien Bien Phu?
- They understood the land and used the mountains to their advantage
- China supplied them with weapons, bikes and ammunition
- Vietminh had local support who dug roads and moved supplies
- Vietminh members were committed and worked hard
- French lacked commitment and underestimated the Vietminh
When were the Geneva Accords?
1954
What did the Geneva Accords achieve?
- Vietnam was temporarily divided along 17th parallel and surrounded by a DMZ
- Ho Chi Minh controlled the North, Bao Dai the south
- People could move north or south for the next 300 days
- In July 1956, elections would be held to unite the government
Why were both parties unhappy with the Geneva Accords?
The US and South Vietnam refused to obey the accords, North Vietnam wanted more land
What did Eisenhower do after the Geneva Accords?
He gave the South more aid due to fear of increased Communist spread across South Asia (Domino Theory)
He also set up SEATO which agreed to stop Communist spread in Southeast Asia in September 1954
Who was Diem?
Ngo Dinh Diem was selected by Bao Dai to be prime minister in South Vietnam
Why was Diem’s government weak?
- Other religious / political groups had their own armies
- Saigon based government meant there was very little help to villages
- Diem only gave government jobs to his family and Catholics
- There were many Communists in the South
- There was religious clashes - Diem was Catholic, most people were Buddhist
How did Eisenhower help keep Diem in power?
He sent more advisers to train the ARVN (South Vietnamese Army) - he wanted the US to fight a limited war with few troops as he was scared to go to war with China.
What did Bao Dai do against Diem?
He spoke against Diem’s policies in October 1955 and elections were held to put him or Diem in charge. Diem won and the election was widely considered fixed. He stopped villages from electing their own officials and both he, and the US, grew more unpopular.
What did Diem do in July 1956?
He refused elections and refused to obey the Geneva Accords. The US supported due to their fear of Communism spreading.
Eisenhower sent more aid but worried South Vietnam would become reliant on US aid.
How was Diem oppressive?
He took the US’ money but not their advice.
- He arrested political and religious opponents
- Urged people to report Communism to the government
- In 1957 he sent the ARVN into the countryside to find and arrest Communists
