Conflict in Asia

Why did the Geneva conference not solve the Vietnam problem?

Because the National Elections never happened

What three groups did Ho Chi Minh use to consolidate northern control?

The Vietnamese Workers Party, People’s Army of Vietnam and National Liberation Front

What did Ho Chi Minh’s attempts at communism in the north cause?

An increase in agricultural production but also a revolt which killed 6000

Reasons why Diem was unpopular:

• Corruption - US economic aid was taken by Diem’s family for their own use

• Nepotism - Diems brother also served as Prime Minister

• Opposition - There was growing opposition in the South to Diem

• Repression - Political Opponents were silenced

What did Kennedy want to do to reduce nuclear war threats?

Focus on expanding conventional forces through his ‘flexible response’

Why did Kennedy send military advisers to SV?

So that they could deliver counterinsurgency training

What did Kennedy think economic assistance would create?

A democratic nation

Who led the NLF?

Huu Tho - he was largely a figurehead as it was Ho Chi Minh who was the real leader

What did the US fail to recognise about the NLF?

• Many members were middle class and intellectuals

• Its ten point programme had wide support in South Vietnam

• It emphasised democracy and neutrality

What did Diem brandish the NLF?

The Vietcong and called them a revolutionary army

Strategic Hamlet Programme 1962:

• Place peasants in fortress like villages to protect them from NLF

• There were 3000 hamlets by 1962

• The NLF did not attack peasants but only the corrupt officials who ran villages and embezzled funds

• Hamlets became a breeding ground for NLF recruitment

The Buddhist Crisis 1963

• Buddhists were banned from flying the flag in Hue - SV in honour of Buddha’s birthday in May 1963

• Military then silenced Buddhist Leader Tri Quang

Buddhist response to discrimination:

• Anti-government propaganda

• Non-violent mass rallies

• Met with US officials discussing Diem’s leadership

• In extreme cases, carried out self-immolation

Assassination of Diem:

• Him and his brother were assassinated in November 1963

• The US claimed it was a vietnamese affair, this remains debated

• Many speculate it was CIA involvement. It is also speculated that the US knew about the plot but did not tell Diem.