Causes of two civil wars

Focus of the topic §

This document discusses the Vietnam Civil War, specifically focusing on the time range from 1954 to 1959, from the Geneva Accords to the outbreak of the war.

Background Info §

The background information includes a brief overview of French colonization and Japanese domination in Vietnam. It also mentions the division of Vietnam along the 16th line and the French recolonization of South Vietnam. The document references the First Indochina War as well.

Body §

• Vietnam Civil War

  • Appropriate time range: 1954-1959

    • From the Geneva Accords to the outbreak of the war

  • Introduction

    • Provides a brief explanation of French colonization and Japanese domination in Vietnam.
    • Mentions the division of Vietnam along the 16th line and the French recolonization of South Vietnam.
    • Discusses the First Indochina War.
    • States that the war started in 1959 because the Vietcong became strong in that year.
      • Recognizes the ambiguous starting point and the need for clarification.
      • Emphasizes that the Civil War was not between the North and the South, but rather between the Vietcong and the South.

  • Political

    • Geneva Accords
      • Explains that the United States and South Vietnam did not sign the Geneva Accords.
        • Mentions that the United States weakened the Geneva Accords by disregarding the neutrality of Laos and Cambodia and protecting South Vietnam through organizations like SEATO.
    • Refused election
    • Unpopularity of Diem
      • Discusses religious differences and Diem’s actions that led to his unpopularity, such as stopping Buddhist birthday celebrations and incidents like the monk burning and the “madam BBQ.”
      • Notes that Diem’s assassination occurred after the outbreak of the war, so it is not considered a cause.
    • Escalation by the US presidents
      • Explains that US presidents did not want to be seen as the ones who “lost Vietnam” and aimed to “prove” democracy in Vietnam.

  • Economic

    • Support of the US to North Vietnam
      • Mentions US support for “nation building” in North Vietnam and increasing aid.
    • Taxes on farmers
      • Discusses how taxes on farmers led to the rise of Ho’s Marxist ideology.

  • Territorial

    • “Strategic hamlets”
      • Explains the concept of “strategic hamlets” and how they were used to turn more South Vietnamese against Diem.
    • Vietnam’s proximity to China
      • Discusses the domino theory and the ease of sending weapons from China to Vietnam.
    • Highlights the geopolitical importance of Vietnam’s location.

  • Theories:

    • Quagmire, Stalemate, Commitment trap

Possible Essay Questions §

Resources §

Notes §

• There is also a possibility of one-sidedness.