Underlying (long-term) cause - Diem's rule Flashcards
(26 cards)
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
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.
What did the SHP plan entail
How did the SHP backfire?
Villagers resented their removal from their traditional home lands. It only further alienated the people from the government and lent support to the Viet Cong.
Villagers resented their removal from their traditional home lands. It only further alienated the people from the government and lent support to the Viet Cong.
How did the SHP backfire?
US support for assasination
Diem’s alienation of the peasant South Vietnamese caused him to fall out of favor with the US. They supported upset Generals who planned to overthrow the government, and Kennedy notified them that the US would not intervene.
Diem’s alienation of the peasant South Vietnamese caused him to fall out of favor with the US. They supported upset Generals who planned to overthrow the government, and Kennedy notified them that the US would not intervene.
US support for assasination
Diem’s execution
In 1963 Diem and his brother Nhu were execited at they tried to escape the city.
In 1963 Diem and his brother Nhu were execited at they tried to escape the city.
Diem’s execution
The power vacuum after Diem
The governments that followed failed to establish a secure South Vietnam. This prompted the US to become increasingly involved in the region in an attempt to stop communism.
The governments that followed failed to establish a secure South Vietnam. This prompted the US to become increasingly involved in the region in an attempt to stop communism.
The power vacuum after Diem
