The Overthrow of Diem

1963

• Diem was declared as too unpopular by Kennedy
• US government supported a plot to overthrow Diem

1. Troops surrounded Diem’s palace in Saigon
2. Diem appealed to the US Ambassador for help - none came
3. Diem was arrested and shot

\

• Diem’s corrupt government had greatly increased support for the VC
• VC fighters/supporters increased
• Governments that followed Diem were short-lived - there was even another coup d’état

\
Coup d’état - violent overthrow of a leader

\