Divided Vietnam

• Vietnam divided

  After the Geneva Conference:

  ▪ Two Vietnams with different ideologies

  were created.

  ▪ Both sides aspired for an independent and

  reunified Vietnam.

  ▪ Both tried to consolidate power through

  authoritarian means

  ▪ Those who feared Communist rule fled

  south, while Ho Chi Minh’s supporters fled

  north. Still, many were left under regimes

  they disliked.
• North Vietnam


  Under Ho Chi Minh:

  • Communists had much support because

  Ho was recognised as a great leader who

  fought both the Japanese & the French.

  • He also introduced land reforms to

  redistribute land to the peasant farmers.

  • Landlords were put on show trials.

  • The government was ruthless in dealing

  with opponents e.g. executing those who

  protested the land distribution.
• South Vietnam


  Under Ngo Dinh Diem:

  • Tried to modernize Vietnamese economy,

  build universities and develop agriculture.

  • Introduced policies to create national

  identity and localized democracy.

  • But his rule became increasingly unpopular

  as he was known to be very authoritarian

  and ruthless to communist opponents.

  • He was also known to appoint friends and

  family to key positions in government.
• South Vietnam : A rigged referendum


  
  

  In July 1955:

  • Diem announced that the Vietnam-wide elections agreed at Geneva would not be held.

  • To consolidate power, he arranged a referendum to remove Head of State Bao Dai, and make himself President.

  • 98% of voters approved of this, but this results were rigged.

  • Even though this was clear, the USA still supported Diem as he was anti-communist.