Conflict in Asia, 1955-63​

Who was Ho Chi Minh?

Leader of North Vietnam and the Communist Viet Minh, aiming to unify Vietnam under communist rule.

What was North Vietnam’s ideology and support base?

Communist; supported by peasants, the USSR, and China.

How did Ho Chi Minh view the US?

As a colonial/imperialist power, initially seeking US support but turned to USSR/China after US backed France.

What was the Viet Minh’s strategy?

Guerrilla warfare, political organisation, and reliance on peasant support.

Who was Ngo Dinh Diem?

US-backed leader of South Vietnam (1955–63), anti-communist and nationalist.

Why did the US support Diem?

To contain communism and implement the Domino Theory in Southeast Asia.

What were Diem’s weaknesses?

Corruption, nepotism, suppression of opposition, and alienation of Buddhists.

How did Diem’s policies affect his popularity?

Repressive and unpopular, causing internal unrest and weakening the South against the North.

When and why was the National Liberation Front formed?

1960; to unite communist and nationalist forces against Diem in South Vietnam.

What were the NLF’s goals?

Overthrow Diem, reunify Vietnam under communist rule.

What was the NLF’s strategy?

Guerrilla warfare, propaganda, and political mobilisation in rural areas.

How did Kennedy view Vietnam?

As a key part of the Cold War; believed in containment and preventing communist expansion.

What strategies did Kennedy implement?

Increased US military and economic aid, sent advisors, and supported counter-insurgency operations.

How many US military advisors were sent by 1963?

Around 16,000, mostly training South Vietnamese forces.

What was the Strategic Hamlet Program?

A US–Diem initiative to isolate rural populations from Viet Cong influence by relocating them into fortified villages.

Why did it fail?

Forced relocation angered peasants, inadequate protection, and poor implementation.

What was the impact of its failure?

Strengthened Viet Cong support and undermined Diem’s legitimacy.

What triggered the Buddhist Crisis?

Diem’s Catholic bias and restrictions on Buddhist practices, including banning flag displays.

How did the crisis escalate?

Buddhist protests, self-immolations (e.g., Thich Quang Duc), and international condemnation.

What was the impact on Diem’s government?

Exposed weakness, increased US concern, and contributed to loss of domestic and international support.

When did Diem die and how?

November 1963; overthrown and assassinated in a coup supported tacitly by the US.

Why did the US support the coup?

Belief that Diem’s removal would stabilise South Vietnam and improve the fight against the communists.

What was the immediate impact of Diem’s assassination?

Political instability in South Vietnam and ongoing insurgency; did not resolve underlying conflict.

What characterised Cold War conflict in Vietnam, 1955–63?

Ideological struggle, guerrilla warfare, US intervention, and internal political instability.

How did US involvement escalate during this period?

From economic/military aid to direct advisor presence and support for coups.

What factors weakened South Vietnam?

Corruption, unpopular policies, Buddhist unrest, and ineffective counter-insurgency measures.

What lessons did this period show about Cold War interventions?

Local legitimacy and popular support were crucial; military aid alone could not secure victory.