this is a short summary covering the Vietnam war from the IEB syllabus. I used the Oxford textbook as a reference. Notes are colourful and have decoration which makes studying a little bit better...
Vietnam
Vietnam after World War II
Before World War II, Vietnam was a colony of France. During World War II the Japanese
invaded and occupied Vietnam.
After the war, Ho Chi Minh established a new government : The Democratic Republic of
Vietnam.
The French wanted to re-establish control of French Indochina which led to a war against
Viet Minh.
Vietnam as a French colony
Became a major rice crop producer
Vietnamese people were against French rule
During World War II: formation of the Viet Minh (league for independence of
Vietnam) they were a frontal organisation of the ICP led by Ho Chi Minh
ICP represented comintern in Asia
Viet Minh planned to gain control of Vietnam post World War II
Rising tensions - post World War II
Post World War II, Viet Minh siezed control of North and Central Vietnam and
established the Democratic Republic of Vietnam with Ho Chi Minh as president.
France wanted to re-establish control in the South
This led to war with Viet Minh for control over Vietnam
Beginning of the war
December 1946- France declared their intention to reclaim the North which led to war
France began the war and bombed a harbour area that killed 6000 people.
America backed France - in line with policy of containment and domino theory.
Russia, Eastern Europe and later China would back Ho Chi Minh
Thus, began the Cold War "Proxy Wars"
France loses
France pulls out after a severe military defeat in 1954 at Dien Bien Phu.
In 1954 the world powers met in Geneva and decided that Vietnam would remain
separated at the 17th parallel until elections could be held in both countries in 1956
Communist North vs Non-communist South
Elections never happened - so North Vietnamese guerrilla troops (Viet Cons) were sent
into the South to "win the hearts and minds of the people" (WHAM) towards
communism
They also attacked soft targets
The North The South
Communist under Ho Chi Minh Anti communist under diem
Capital - Hanoi Capital - Saigon
Land reform, nationalise industry Oppressive and corrupt
Strong support of peasants No opposition
Catholics fled Largely Buddhist country
Backed by the USA
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