Us Involvement In Vietnam 1954-1961 Flashcards
After WW2, France wanted to regain its former colony Vietnam.However Vietminh led by Ho Chi Minh wanted independence and the Democratic Republic of Vietnam was formed .Vietminh had control of North Vietnam
While the French controlled the south.Fighting broke out between the two sides
What year did China become a communist country
1949
How did China affect the war netween France and Vietminh
China supported the Vietminh by giving supplies, advisors and troops
In response to China sending supplies to Vietminh.What did the US do ?
USA began to send the French supplies, military advisors and soldiers.However these soldiers were not ordered to fight because the US was reluctant to get openly involved in the war.
By 1954 What was the contribution of the US to the French
By 1954, US support was so strong it paid 80% of the cost of French’s war with the Vietminh
Ahat happened between France and Vietminh at the battle at Dien Bien Phu in 1954
After 55 days of fighting the French were forced to surrender due to the strength of the Vietminh.This defeat was significant as it led to France’s withdrawal from Vietnam
What did the Geneva Conference of 1554 achieve ?
It attempted to restore peace.
The Geneva Accords divided Vietnam into two countries along the 17th parallel, separated by a demilitarised zone where no soldiers were permitted .
North Vietnam was led by Ho Chi Minh
South Vietnam was led by US backed ruler Bao Dai until 1955, where Ngo Dinh Diem
Reasons for greater US involvement in Vietnam - “Domino Theory “
US had a great fear of the spread of communsim.
Eisenhower was worries if Vietnam became communist, other countries in the region would follow
As a result of the “domino theory” SEATO was created
In September 1954, Eisenhower set up the Southeast Asia Treaty Organisation ( SEATO )
It’s aim was to spread communism in Southeast Asia .
SEATO included US, Britain , France and five other countries .
All agreed to collectively to stop the spread of communism
Why was Diem’s government unpopular in South Vietnam
Diem’s unpopular government was corrupt.It had little respect for the rural population and Buddhists
As a result of Diem’s unpopular government what occured ?
Different revolutionary groups developed against Diem’s government in South Vietnam
Collectivlely called “ Vietcong “ or VC ahort for Vietnamese communists.
North Vietnam backed the VC therefore there was a Civil War
How did the US react to North Vietnam backing the VC
Eisenhower therefore supported Diem by providing advisers to train the ARVN.
Eisenhower did not want to risk sending troops as he thought it could lead to nuclear war with Russia
