Ngo Dinh Diem

Question 1

Who was he?

Answer 1

Catholic leader in a mainly Buddhist country.
• Became President of South Vietnam after the Geneva Accords split Vietnam in 1954.
• Strongly anti-communist — supported by the USA.
• Refused to hold national elections in 1956 (as agreed in Geneva), fearing Ho Chi Minh would win.

Question 2

Why did the USA support him?

Answer 2

He was anti-communist and opposed Ho Chi Minh.
• Received over $1.6 billion in U.S. aid between 1955–1961.
• USA saw him as a bulwark against communism in Asia (Domino Theory).

Question 3

Why was he unpopular?

Answer 3

1. Corrupt government:
   • Gave power and money to his family and Catholic allies.
   • Took U.S. aid meant for the people.
   
   2. Religious oppression:
      • Favoured Catholics and discriminated against Buddhists.
      • Banned Buddhist flags and ordered troops to fire on peaceful Buddhist protests.
   3. Repression and fear:
      • Arrested, tortured, and killed anyone suspected of being Vietcong — even innocent people.
      • Created the hated Strategic Hamlet Program.
   4. Rigged elections:
      • Claimed 98% of the vote in one election — clearly fake.
      • Lost public trust and support.

Question 4

Downfall and death

Answer 4

⸻

🪦 Downfall and death (1963):
• By 1963, Diem’s actions were causing unrest — including mass Buddhist protests and burnings (self-immolations).
• The U.S. withdrew support for Diem.
• In November 1963, he was overthrown and assassinated by South Vietnamese generals with U.S. approval.