US Policy under Dulles & Eisenhower (1954–60)

Asian Hot & Cold War

What did the Geneva Accords establish in 1954?

Vietnam split at the 17th parallel; elections in 1956; Ho in the North, Diem in the South.

Why did the US refuse the 1956 elections?

Eisenhower believed Ho Chi Minh would win 80% of the vote → domino theory fears.

What was the domino theory?

The belief that if one Asian country fell to communism, others would fall like dominos.

How did the domino theory influence US policy?

It made Vietnam a symbolic test case → US committed to building a strong anti-communist South Vietnam.

What was SEATO and why was it created?

A defence pact to contain communism in Asia (1954), used to justify support for South Vietnam.

Why was SEATO weak?

Few Asian members, vague commitments, poor coordination.

Why did the US support Ngo Dinh Diem?

He was firmly anti-communist, anti-French, and opposed Ho Chi Minh.

Why was Diem unpopular in Vietnam?

Corruption, nepotism, repression of Buddhists, refusal of elections, rural neglect.

What was the idea behind early strategic hamlets?

To isolate rural peasants from communist influence and extend Diem’s control.

Why did strategic hamlets cause resentment?

Forced relocations, disruption of village life, corruption by local officials

Why did communist insurgency increase after 1957?

Diem’s repression, lack of political freedom, rural poverty, anger at corruption.

What was the NLF (Viet Cong), created in 1960?

A communist front organisation coordinating guerrilla warfare in South Vietnam.