Political Involvement In South Vietnam example essay topic

Key feature: The significance of the French Defeat at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu Worst military defeat in colonial history Tremendous implications locally and globally (a) Significance for Vietnam End of French rule in Vietnam Demonstrates power of nationalism vs. foreign invader Support the VM- peasants (power they had over the peasants) VM controls areas in Viet, Highlands- Chinese Boarder, Red Delta- Mekong River Delta, and Northern provinces of Laos (b) Global Significance French defeat seen as Communist victory vs. Democracy US furious see defeat as the monolithic giant- Communism spreading into other nations USA refuses to participate in discussions of Vietnam's future at Geneva Conference US interpret the victory as a victory for China and communism rather than nationalism Chinese see the victory as concern- don't want strong Vietnam to their south (c) The Effect of DBP on the Geneva Conference Vietnamese believe they can negotiate terms of their own rule-position of strength Communism and Democratic powers wary each other- more important than actual military victory at DBP China worries about Vietnamese strength French wanted out Key Feature: The Significance of the Geneva Conference and the Failure to Hold Elections in 1956 Most decisions result of secret talks, France, China and USSR-power brokers. Attempts were made to deny politically what had happened militarily Ngo Dinh Diem Prime Minister State of Vietnam 16 June The Significance of the Geneva Accords for Vietnam The terms of cease-fire between France and DRV were: Vietnam temporarily divided at 17th parallel Period of 3 months legal migration General elections held across both zones July 1956- reunify Vietnam Neither zone to sign military alliances, receive military aid from abroad The Significance of the Geneva Accords for Cambodia and Laos Royal Govt In Cambodia & Laos independence upheld 2000 communists of Cambodia had no voice at Geneva. The K PRP weakened thousands of its members went into exile in Hanoi. Accords were between France and DRV US Alternative to the Accords Geneva Accords were to prove only a breathing space between the two wars. SEATO est. on 1949 NATO (National Atlantic Treaty Organisation) collective defence system to contain Soviet and Chinese expansion Nations newly independent from colonial role enticed, economic, technological and military aid line up with one superpower against another. The Significance of the Consequences of the Failure to Hold Free Elections in Vietnam in 1956 Neither Diem nor Ho was in the position in 1954 to rule the whole of Viet.

Both preferred their control of their respective areas before tackling the issue of reunification. If elections weren't held - the Viet had left behind large no's of arms and armaments hidden in the Sth The Elections of 1956 Were Not Held Diem and US knew that Diem would lose, as Diem's regime was very unpopular Led to growth of anti Diem activity in the Sth and gradual from the North Led to US trying to save Diem's regime in the name of democracy Key Feature: The nature of Political, Social, Economic and Military Policies Within North and South Vietnam and their Consequences Consolidation of regimes: North and South North Viet- Ho Chi Minh- President Pham Van Dong- Prime Minister South Viet- Bao Dai- Emperor Diem- appointed Premier Political Structure in The Democratic Republic of Vietnam The Vietnam Workers Party est. a peoples democracy a tightly disciplined one party state. President: Ho Chi Minh Prime Minister: Pham Van Dong Vietminh Leader: Le Duan Chairman National Assembly: Truong China Minster Of Defence: Vo Nguyen Giap Negotiator for Central Committee: Le Duc Tho This collective leadership gave continuity and stability. North Vietnam Overview Thousands flee to the South-Buddhist, Catholics, Wealthy, and Intellectuals Implementation of Communism was very brutal 1954-57 most destructive Ho admits mistakes and implements new policies 1960 Nth Viet changed from famine- fastest growing economy in SEA Economic Policy in the DRV Land reform Sth Viet produced a surplus of rice Irrigation fields damaged by years of war-many who went south were trained technicians DRV lowest per capita production of rice in Asia Over enthusiastic revolutionaries confiscated land with violence and terror and sought to meet quotas sat for each region, injustice was done and innocent people died Peasant revolt when officials were demoted, and Ho apologies to the nation. Rectification campaign Govt resumed its socialist policies 1960 power of the landed gentry was broken. Industry Former French coal, cement and textile industries nationalized.

Middle classes left to run smaller firms Govt regulated pay rates, prices, quantities produced, sources of raw materials and marketing Aid from China, USSR Eastern Europe develop heavy industrial base State Planning controlled the economy-3 yr plans, 5 yr plans Transport doubled, skilled training and education opportunities increased Women part of labour force and of the army The Army From 1957 Giap expanded and modernized the army, equipping it with Russian and Chinese weapons Est. commando forces, tank corps political indoctrination was considered as important as weapon training. From 1957 conscription again authorized, ranks were introduced and personnel began to receive pay Diem Leader of South Vietnam from 1954-1963 Conservative and a staunch catholic Vehemently anti com and anti French US backed Diem considered the only one to resist the spread of communism Diem's Repressive Rule Faced many problems, South Vietnam lacked any sense of unity The people had been faced with almost 15 yrs of war He had to consolidate his power and he had to solve the problems of war torn South Vietnam Methods Used By Diem To Consolidate His Regime Uses Relatives (nepotism) Appointed own members of his family- prominent Govt positions Relatives were corrupt, became wealthy and had incredible power Uses Loyal Friends / Colleagues Appoints friends in positions of power Appoints only loyal men to lead army, uses bribery appointment based on loyalty not talent Attempts To Destroy Factions Govt. only controlled Saigon and other major cities; Rest of the country was under control of the Vietminh, bandits or private armies of a no. Of factions 1955 Diem confronted and crushed the 3 largest factions, which were against him. 1955 the Denunciation Campaign Main aim to destroy Vietminh who still controlled much of the countryside and many of the provincial capitals Peasants encouraged to denounce anyone who: Had fought vs. the Fr Had a relative resistance Was sympathetic to the VM Many peasants protect themselves by denouncing neighbors Approx 90% VM cells destroyed or sent underground Strict and Brutal Security Used to reinforce Diem's control-did not feel like he had to cultivate popular appeal Characteristics of Diem's Repressive Regime No opposition to Diem's regime allowed One party state led by an oligarchy Gives important positions to family and loyal friends Favours Catholic minority-top jobs-army and Govt Land redistribution Enforces strict and brutal security measures to reinforce his control Sth Viet Strict censorship of domestic press and attempts to censor international press Public meetings banned Willing to accept US aid but not advice RESULTS Diem's control struggle vs. factionalism = reconstruction and industrialisation of South Vietnam 1954-1963 Diem managed to alienate virtually all-non-catholic groups in South Vietnam 1957 VC starts to rebuild Guerilla warfare increases and assassination campaign A Succession of Governments in South Vietnam The rotation of governments with conspiracies and coups by unknown and unqualified leaders was to leave the USA with no valid or credible administration to support America looking for a ruthless leader who could rival Ho Chi Minh.

Key Feature: Nature and Consequences of Infiltration from North to South Vietnam The situation Deteriorates: War Begins 1956 Diem refuses to hold the reunification elections Reasons: 1. Had not signed Geneva Accords-not bound by them 2. Conditions in the NTH would not allow fro free and fair elections to be held 3. Probable that he and the USA thought the communists would win Nth Viet view refusal as Diem US conspiracy Nth had hidden caches of arms and ammunition + 10 000 cadres who had remained behind in the Sth after Geneva. Many in the Sth had supported the Vietminh because they were nationalist and anti-French. They now support the VC With Nth approval VC start assassination campaign vs. govt officials.

1959-1961 assassinations rose from 1200 to 4000 per year. March 1958 Pham Van Dong made proposals to the Sth for troop reductions and trade relations but Diem refused to discuss any such steps towards reunification. Guerilla warfare increased and VC attack RVN (sth Viet army) outpost in 1959 THE NLF DEC 1960 Nth created the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam. Peasant workers, intellectuals, Buddhists, legal political parties, Montagnards, women and radical revolutionaries. The NLF served 2 purposes: 1. Allowed non communists to join the insurgency without having to be members of the communist party 2.

It allowed the Communist leaders in the Nth to unobtrusively direct the war The NLF meant that initiative to re-unify the two Vietnam came from the South THE NLF DEMANDED: Democratic freedom Land to the tiller Independence from imperialist domination Peaceful unification with North Vietnam NLF groups were encouraged to be self-sufficient economically and militarily and to use family connections to infiltrate hostile villages The greatest weapon of the NLF in mobilizing support was the promise of land reform. Villagers involved in sabotage or assassination squads formed paramilitary units, regular soldiers formed military units. The creation of the NLF increased the momentum of the conflict. The Nth increased its control over the NLF in 1961 and the war = intensified 1 January 1962 Hanoi openly announced the formation of the Liberation Armed Forces Diem called the NLF the Vietcong. Le Duan General Secretary of Vietminh his single-minded struggle to unify the two Vietnamese and his role as intermediary remained shadowy and secret. The ten men Politburo of the Vietminh divided the South into five zones and a special Saigon zone.

The Peoples Revolutionary Party took over non-communist groups and infiltrated every section of society. What began, as a political struggle now became an armed struggle or insurgency? The aim was to bring about the fall of Diem's Government and to create conditions for a general communist uprising. 1961 NLF controlled most of the countryside at night and about 2/3 during the day. 4000 Govt officials, village headmen and teachers were selectively assassinated. The Relationship Between the North and the Southern Insurgents (VC) and the Nature of the Insurgency The 1950's Many communists' cells either remained in the South or went first to the north to receive further training and political instructions and then returned to the south.

Established themselves armed themselves for the struggle The Vietcong were very difficult to detect and combat. They were indistinguishable from the peasant population among whom they hid some were even government officials. 1957 17 major insurgents each unit had 50-200 men. Equipped with normal infantry weapons.

The main support for the insurgents came from the dissident remnants of the private armies of the sects. The Nth (DRV) reluctant to engage in armed struggle or to provoke the sponsor of Diem's Government the USA. Wanted to consolidate their regime and preferred a political solution The 1960's Third national Congress of the Vietnam Workers Party in the North approved armed struggle. Believe that its regime could afford to divert the resources needed to support a war of national liberation. To direct the war CO SVN the central Office for South Vietnam was EST.

Party Politburo orders came from Giap. Weapons came south along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The opening of the Ho Chi Minh Trail supply route through Laos and Cambodia helped the new phase of the war involving the North. The communists used the HCM trail as their main supply route. The creation of the NLF increased the momentum of the conflict as the NTH increased its control, the war intensified.

1964 the VC posing a serious problem in the south. 1. The ability of the government of South Vietnam to defend itself against increasing northern incursions and insurgent activity was rapidly declining 2. The communist were seeking South Vietnam's complete collapse. This led to the massive increase in US involvement from 1965.

As US involvement increased so did membership of the NLF / VC US involvement now meant escalation of the war and the use of ground troops. This meant that peasants previously untouched by war, were affected. They were bombed, their villages were searched and often destroyed, and their relatives were killed. Concept of imperialism Key Feature: The Concepts of 'Containment' and the Domino Theory as Applied to Vietnam and Their Impact on US Policy Making The US saw Sth Viet as important for containing communism The Rollback Policy US policy aims for Sth Viet set out 1956.

Sth Viet referred to as Free Viet. Based on the following assumptions Absolute belief in the domino theory Belief that they had to support Diem no matter what Belief that the Nth Viet backed by the Chinese army would invade the Sth. Hey did not believe that there would be south Viet communism involved in a guerilla war in order to bring about communism. The last point meant that the US army, which took over the job of re organising the Sth Viet Army, trained this army to deal with conventional warfare- not guerilla attacks.

This is incredibly significant. THE COLD WAR AND VIETNAM 1. Cuban blockade 1959 2. Berlin Wall 1961 3. Cuban Missile crisis 1962 Soviet Union foreign policy made a priority of supporting HCM and preventing American imperialism in Asia. SIX PRESIDENTS HARRY S. TRUMAN PRESIDENT 1945-52 Containment: March 1947 Truman's Government formalized its policy of containment.

The Truman Doctrine undertook to support free peoples resisting armed minorities or outside pressures. Formulated for communist subversion in post WWII Greece and Turkey Applied to Indochina, Indonesia and Philippines June 1950 US aid stepped up USA called for formation of a Vietnamese National Army in South Vietnam DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER PRESIDENT 1953-61 April 1954 Eisenhower publicised the American Defence Chiefs Falling Domino Theory (1950) Argued the fall of Indochina would inevitable lead to the fall of other states in SEA June 1954 400 military advisory assistance group and 40 CIA undercover men entered Saigon. SEATO Eisenhower's Govt formed SEATO SEPT 1954 Gave aid to South Vietnam, South Korea, Taiwan, Pakistan, Greece and Spain January 1955 South Vietnam brought into US dollar! JOHN F. KENNEDY PRESIDENT 1961-63 Increased US involvement in Vietnam Became part of the Cold War confrontation Aid was increased in Nov 1961 Buddhist protests in South Vietnam Oct 1963 Kennedy withdrew some aid Became evident that the USA wanted to defeat communism much more than the Sth Viet govt did. LYNDON B. JOHNSON PRESIDENT 1963-68 Great Society Legislation, promised a national health care system, wider civil rights for blacks, housing development, school aid and war on poverty The war expanded, bombing of the North began, US troops were sent in.

Vietnam had destroyed Johnson's presidency RICHARD M. NIXON PRESIDENT 1968-74 Brought the involvement in Vietnam to an end, his administration was responsible for war spreading into Cambodia. GERALD FORD PRESIDENT 1974-75 Declared the Indochina war finished 23 April 1975 Key Feature: The nature and impact of growing US intervention in Indochina for the US, the peoples of Indochina, and the immediate region The Americans saw Vietnam as an important element in their policy of containing Communism. Massive US Economic Aid Gave Diem free rein 1961 he had set up a clearly totalitarian regime Diem accepted the US dollar but generally rejected the advice Much of the aid was channeled into the military and security forces. It is most unlikely that the RVN and Diem would have survived without this massive US aid that had been given to the STH since 1952. Kennedy's Dilemma: the Cold War Context He had to prove his credentials as a Cold War warrior Cold war tensions increased, He saw Vietnam purely in terms of the global war of communism vs. Democratic Vietnam was to be one place where Kennedy could restore US credibility He had no concept of the importance of civilian support for guerilla warfare Huge Increase in US Military Advisers Under Kennedy 1961 Diem requested additional military support from the US. Halted at first but was concerned with the image.

Kennedy requested that Diem share the economic, political and military decisions making with the US, but this request was ignored Showed the peasantry how to provide greater hygiene, agriculture and education. The aim to increase the support of the villagers for the RVN The strategic Hamlet program was introduced with US advisors assisting the RVN The increase in advisors was kept secret because it was outside decisions made at Geneva. Secrecy and escalation to protect US credibility The VC not the RVN continued to gain support of the villagers. The VC were seen as Viet fighting for Viet independence The Buddhist Revolt Catholics were given the best GOVT jobs and top army positions and the best land. While Buddhist had to take time off from their farming to dig ditches and build their own concentration camps May 1963 refused permission to display Buddhist flags or have meetings on the anniversary of Buddha's birthday. Burn them-selves as public suicide.

President Kennedy greatly influenced by the suicides. He looked for ways in which the US could withdraw from Vietnam. US Political Involvement in South Vietnam: Assassinations 1 Nov the coup began and troops began to move into Saigon, they called on Diem and Nhu to resign they refused. They escaped and were found in a Catholic Church. They were placed in an armored carrier and on the way back to the palace Diem was shot in the head and Nhu was stabbed to death. A great amount of planning and thought went into the coup that removed Diem but neither the generals nor the Americans had given much thought to the type of government.

Plotting and personal intrigues became more important then the need to join together to save the country. The Vietcong continued to increase its influence. The Political Situation in the South Deteriorates After the assassinations it is believed that Kennedy began looking for ways to get out of Viet. There was a feeling that the US had become too involved in Vietnamese politics and that this had contributed to Diem's death. In the next 20 months Sth Viet underwent 10 changes of Govt as the generals deposed each other. By mid 1964 the Viet Cong were launching attacks at positions only 10 km from the centre of Saigon.

Summary: The Situation Deteriorates into War US Kennedy sends more aid, military equipment and advisers. US largely engage in anti-guerilla activity. He is concerned about international image of US vs. Communism. He also requests Diem share economic, political and military decisions making with the US Request ignored Late 1961 US introduce defoliants and 1962 the helicopter introduced to help war effort 1963 Buddhist protests put down violently Generals approach US re removal of Diem and his brother = collapse of support of regime on almost all levels US GOVT gives tactic support coup occurs NOV A revolutionary Military council was established with Gen Minh as chief of state.

1964 was characterized by political instability, increasing insurgency and an increase in US commitment. 1964/5 Sth Viet is on the verge of political and military collapse President Johnson Ideas on Vietnam were similar in a number of ways to those of Kennedy The belief that the US could not withdraw, as this would be interpreted worldwide as a sign of weakness The view that all communist countries were conspiring against the US The lack of clear policy n how to defeat Communism and what would replace it The attempt to defeat ideas (Communism, unity, nationalism, anti imperialism) with weapons. 1964 the US realized that the VC controlled much of Sth Viet and that the North was steadily building up its infiltration of the South. The US estimated that the communists would win by the end of 1965 The Nth began sending troops down the Ho Chi Minh trial to build up the main force to administer its coup de grace. Johnson's major problem during 1964 was that he faced an election in NOV; he did not want to be seen using too much force in Vietnam. Throughout 1964 the Pentagon drew up plans to escalate the war by bombing Nth Vietnam and sending in US ground troops.

Trsek: Reasons for US Escalation After 10 yrs of training and military supplies and a large increase in the number of its troops, the army of South Vietnam had been unable to crush Vietcong and the few North Vietnamese forces in the south Trsek believes that the Sth Vietnamese Govt could not be forced to carry out reforms by the US could have made its continued support contingent on a broadly based program of national social, economic and political reform. The United States government had been trapped by its own rhetoric t had to go on Gulf of Tonkin Incident and Resolution: August 1964 March 1964 Pentagon refined plans for strategic bombing of North Vietnam in two phases: Retaliatory strikes against northern military bases Intensified bombing of railways, roads, industrial complexes and training camps would follow guerilla sanctuaries in Laos and Cambodia. Johnson's aides began drafting a Congressional Resolution. Without such a resolution the strategic bombing under the US constitution would require a formal declaration of war. The draft resolution was ready by 25 May 1964 Johnson approached Ho Chi Minh with promises of aid to build large hydro electricity schemes if North Vietnam withdrew assistance from the Vietcong Johnson dreaded becoming the first US president to lose a war. Washington began seeking ways to take the war to North Vietnam.

The destroyer Northern patrol boas fired upon Maddox a ship in the Tonkin Gulf on 2 August 1964. The USA sent bombers to stand by at bases in Thailand 3 August. Next day during a thunderstorm the Maddox and a second US ship C Turner Joy reported possible attempts to prevent their asserting freedom of the seas though no actual visual sighting was made. US planes carried out retail tory bombing 5 August and Johnson appeared on national TV". Take all necessary measures" to prevent further aggression. Tonkin Gulf Resolution was passed in Congress by 88 votes to 2.85% of the American population approved of the measures.

Key Feature: The commitment of US and Australian ground troops and the social, political and military impact of their involvement for Indochina The Commitment of Ground Troops The Enclave Program- The US had approved the use of American troops in a defensive role to protect the bases from VC attack. Their role was strictly defined and limited to defend the Danang airbases and its perimeter, NOT to engage in day-to-day action vs. the VC. Westmoreland very quickly changed tactics to offensive rather than defensive and official policy endorsed a more active use of US troops. It was estimated that at the end of 1965 200'000 marines would be needed for the defence bases.

Rolling thunder was not deterring the North and that the South Vietnamese Govt was showing all signs of imminent collapse. If the US did not send troops and in large numbers South Vietnam would be lost. May 1956 US commander in Vietnam General William Westmoreland asked his president for 180'000 men to prevent South Vietnam from falling to the communist. During 1956 America's allies also began supplying forces when South Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand joined the many flags program. Escalation During the next 3 years the level of US troops in South Vietnam rose steadily. America took over the war allocating the lesser role of protecting civilians and military installations to the South Vietnamese army while the Americans searched for and fought the enemy.

Within 2 years the USA had transformed South Vietnam with roads, bridges, giant fuel depots and warehouses, helicopter pads, airfields, deep draught harbors, submarine cable links to Washington, clubs, snack bars, blue jeans, coke. By January 1969 the peak of US Commitment there were 542000 service personnel in Sth Viet. As the War dragged on voices in America and overseas grew in their condemnation of American involvement. As the casualties' rose and the end came no closer an anti war movement began and grew in strength. By the end of 1967 Westmoreland was publicly stating that he thought victory was in view. AUSTRALIA; S INVOLVEMENT IN VIETNAM: 1962-72 What led to Australia's participation?

Threats to Australian security seemed to increase with the 1949 est. of the People's Republic of China and the 1950 Korean War. Australia would not openly oppose anti-colonialism or Asian nationalism, so emphasis was placed on the anti communist nature of foreign policy. From 1953 Australia gave aid to Indochina. Feb 1955 our Govt. signed SEATO undertaking to protect South Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia if requested by the governments concerned.

Australian Involvement: An Overview Australia certainly wanted to help America in return for its own possible future security needs. In Nov 1961 The USA asked for Australian assistance in South Vietnam and the Sth Vietnamese Govt requested aid from Australia. Anticipating the need to enlarge the armed forces for commitments in Malaya and Vietnam, the Australian Govt announced conscription by birthday ballot on 10 Nov 1964. Menzies announced on 29 April 1965 that Australia would be sending an infantry battalion to South Vietnam. "The takeover of South Vietnam would be a direct military threat to Australia and all the countries of South and South East Asia.

It must be seen as a thrust by Communist China between the Indian and Pacific oceans. The Nature of Australian Participation The first battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment arrived in Vietnam in June 1965 and was attached to the US forces in the defence of the Bien Hoa Base. The Australian forces were engaged in clearing operations and in pacification and resettlement schemes. After winning the election Harold Holt increased Australia's commitment to 6300 personnel including RAAF and RAN units.

Australia's fiercest battle was at Long Tan 18 August 1966. With the uprisings of the January February 1968 TeT offensive, Australian troops were engaged in not only restoring order in Phuoc Tuy but also in assisting the Americans to protect Bien Hoa and Long Binh. A complex mixture of invasion by the Nth and uprisings within the towns and villages of the South confronted Australian forces. The Australian Govt announced phased withdrawal in March 1970.

The Team 10.5 years later they returned home Dec 1972 under the Whitlam Govt Conscription was then abolished The Extent of Australia's Commitment? Australia's Commitment was miniscule compared with the massive American effort. Height of their strength Australian men numbered 8300. The major Australian commitment was the Australian task Force between May 1966 and Nov 1971. Located in Phuoc Tuy province, Australian role was to gain control of the province and to deny the VC access to villagers.

The war became increasingly unpopular at home and a strong anti war movement began to voice its discontent.