Dinh Diem's Fight Against Communism

Words: 1319
Pages: 6

For centuries, Vietnam has been ruled by foreign powers, never able to establish their nation. As France retreated(but when doe), Vietnam was finally able to unify as a country. Though at the time, North and South Vietnam began to develop into separate entities. While North Vietnam believed in communism, South Vietnam was supported by America and the western allies. Catholic President Ngo Dinh Diem was used by the allies to represent their democratic and capitalist ideologies. Though America’s true intention was to stop communism by manipulating South Vietnam. They claimed to yearn for freedom and solitude based on western political and economic values. As South Vietnam’s power unfolded, neither their democratic nor economic values benefited …show more content…
Diem’s regime persuaded many to join communist groups, such as the Viet Cong, a military arm of the National Liberation Front (NLF). The aggression between the communist groups and Diem became more evident and began to arrest thousands of people. The people became more irritated and formed the Viet Cong to terrorize and assassinate the government. The Viet Cong grew in numbers from non-communist who were influenced from corruption and intimidation of the local officials. Soon enough, the war began, as the Viet Cong would cause many firefights. In spite of America’s effort training the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN), they were unable to respond to effectively. America was naive, they were fighting a battle where they didn’t have enough knowledge. The Viet Cong would infiltrate many areas of jungles and swamps. Also, due to high ranked army officials carelessness, corruption or incompetency and sometimes all three, who were penetrated by Viet Cong agents. The weapons America sent to the ARVN, made it only possible for road bound force, not the terrain of Viet Cong attacks. U.S. Military advisors that were responsible to find improvements to force didn’t have the ability to communicate to the Vietnamese people. As the government and military got worse, guerilla units began attacking supporting the NLF. Eventually, the U.S. government had to