US involvement in Vietnam, 1954-61 Flashcards
What did France want at the end of the Second World War?
To regain its former colony Vietnam
Who were the Vietminh led by?
Ho Chi Minh
What did Ho Chi Minh want?
Independance
What did Ho Chi Minh declare?
The Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV)
Who controlled the north of Vietnam?
The Vietminh
Was Ho Chi Minh communist or capitalist?
Communist
Who initially controlled the south of Vietnam?
France
When did China become communist?
1949
In what ways did China support the Vietminh?
By giving them supplies, advisers, and troops
Who did the USA support?
France
When did the battle of Dien Bien Phu take place?
1954
Who was the battle of Dien Bien Phu between?
The French and Vietminh
What was the result of the battle of Dien Bien Phu?
After 55 days of fighting the French surrendered due to the strength of the Vietminh
Why was the battle of Dien Bien Phu significant?
Because it resulted in the French withdrawing from Vietnam
When was the Geneva conference?
1954
What was the Geneva Accords?
It divided Vietnam into two countries along the 17th parallel, separated by a demilitarised zone
Who led the south of Vietnam after the battle of Dien Bien Phu?
Bao Dai until 1955, when Ngo Dinh Dien became president
What was Eisenhowers domino theory?
That if Vietnam became communist, other countries in the region would follow
What does SEATO stand for?
Southeast Asia Treaty Organisation
When was SEATO set up?
September 1954
What was the aim of SEATO?
To stop the spread of communism in Southeast Asia
Why was Diem unpopular?
Because he had little respect for the rural population and Buddhists (and the majority of South Vietnam was Buddhist, but Diem was Catholic)
What was the Vietcong?
The collective name for the revolutionary groups set up in South Vietnam to fight against Diems government
In which ways did Eisenhower support Diem in the civil war?
By sending advisors to train the South Vietnamese army (ARVN) to fight the VC
