Conflict in Asia, 1955–63

Overview

The conflict in Southeast Asia, particularly in Vietnam, was shaped by various socio-political dynamics and international influences, especially during the period following the 1954 Geneva Conference, which aimed to address the division of Vietnam.

Geneva Conference (1954)

Purpose: To resolve the conflict in Indochina post-French colonial rule.
Result: Vietnam was divided into two regions:

North: Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) led by Ho Chi Minh aimed at a communist reunification.
South: Republic of Vietnam (RVN) under President Ngo Dinh Diem aimed to counter the communist influence.

Ho Chi Minh and North Vietnam

Goals: Consolidate communist control and push for the reunification of Vietnam.
Strategies: Sought aid from both the USSR and China, leveraging support from the Vietnamese Workers' Party and the National Liberation Front (NLF).

Diem and South Vietnam

Leadership: Ngo Dinh Diem assumed power in 1954 but faced significant political challenges.
Opposition to Diem's Regime:

Corruption: Allegations that U.S. economic aid was misused by Diem and his officials.
Neopotism: Diem's family held key government positions.
Repression: Silencing of political opposition.

U.S. Support: His regime was heavily reliant on U.S. economic and military assistance despite growing opposition among South Vietnamese.

The Formation of the National Liberation Front (NLF)

Origins: Formed in December 1960 by North Vietnamese leadership to oppose U.S. imperialism.
Purpose: To establish a unified, independent Vietnam free from foreign influence.

Views on U.S. Involvement

Perception: The NLF viewed the U.S. as a colonial power, replicating the French colonial dominance.
Response: An increase in anti-American sentiment grew among local peasants.

The Buddhist Crisis (1963)

Background: Discontent among the Buddhist majority, who were underrepresented in government.
Actions:

Protests were organized to voice discontent against Diem's administration.
Buddhists trained to create non-violent strategies and sought aid from foreign governments.

Outcome: Increased pressure on the U.S. to reconsider its support for Diem.

The Assassination of President Diem

Context: Growing opposition to Diem's leadership led to military influences against him.
Events: The coup resulted in Diem's assassination in November 1963.

The Strategic Hamlet Programme (1962)

Aim: Protect peasants from NLF influence by relocating them to fortified villages.
Challenges:

Peasants resented relocation and the corruption within the scheme.
The programme ultimately failed, highlighting government inefficiency.

Summary

The conflict in Vietnam from 1955 to 1963 was driven by the historical legacy of colonialism, the struggle for power between the communist North and the anti-communist South, and increasing U.S. involvement in the region. As tensions rose, the U.S. attempted to contain communism but faced increasing opposition within South Vietnam that culminated in significant political turmoil.

Vietnam Conflict Overview 1955-1963

Vietnam Conflict Overview 1955-1963