Focus of the topic

  • The focus of the topic is to evaluate the impact of foreign intervention on civil wars.
  • It appears that there is a lack of evidence regarding the effect of foreign intervention.
    • While there is some evidence suggesting the presence of significant factors, it is not sufficient.
    • However, there is a lack of evidence to prove that these factors were indeed significant.
      • There is a need for explanations or evidence showing the specific effects of foreign intervention.
      • Alternatively, evidence of the opposite effect, such as the immediate occupation of North Vietnam after the US military withdrawal, could also be considered.

Background Info (Introduction)

  • Spanish Civil War
    • Spain experienced unstable conditions with power alternating between two opposing factions.
    • The conflict in Spain became a proxy war between different ideologies.
    • The clash of ideologies attracted significant international attention.
    • Various nations intervened in support of their preferred ideologies, while others chose to avoid intervention.
  • Vietnam War
    • The US officially entered the war in 1964 after the Gulf of Tonkin incident.
    • Previous US presidents, such as Truman and Eisenhower, had supported the French and the South Vietnamese government under Diem, respectively.
    • It may also be worth mentioning the involvement of President Kennedy.

Body

  • Spanish Civil War

    • Nationalist support

      • Right-wing ideologies, such as those of Germany, Italy, and Portugal, supported the Nationalists.
      • The Luftwaffe provided early support, with the Condor Legion transporting troops from Spanish Morocco to mainland Spain.
      • The Luftwaffe also conducted crucial bombing operations in northern regions.
      • Italy provided significant support, including 750 aircraft, 150 tanks, and 75,000 troops.
      • The United States and Britain, as neutral states, provided limited support and allowed the use of Gibraltar.
      • As a result, the Nationalists gained substantial benefits.
    • Republican support

      • In contrast, the Republicans received limited support from the USSR (left-wing).
      • The difference in support had an impact on the outcome of the war.
      • The USSR supported communist movements and sold some weapons to the Republican government.
        • However, the support provided was much smaller compared to the Nationalists.
      • The amount of support decreased after 1938 when the Republicans were weakening.
        • For example, in 1936, they received 500 aircraft, but by 1938, they received none.
      • International Brigades from various nations, including the US and Germany, supported the Republicans.
        • However, their lack of training and limited effectiveness did not significantly help the Republicans.
      • Therefore, the difference in support played a role in the Republicans’ defeat.
    • Other factors

      • The strength of the Nationalists themselves against the Republicans may have been a more significant factor.
      • The Nationalists had strong leadership under Franco, while the Republicans lacked unified leadership.
        • The Republicans experienced internal conflicts between extreme anarchists and moderate communists during May Day.
      • The Nationalists were economically more stable than the Republicans as they controlled areas with rich food production.
  • Vietnam War

    • P1: US intervention

      • Discuss why the US did not win despite its significant support.
      • Highlight the roles of Kennedy and Johnson, especially Johnson.
      • Mention the challenges faced by US forces, such as their lack of familiarity with the land and difficulties in gaining cooperation.
    • P2: Communist intervention

      • Reference https://alphahistory.com/vietnamwar/chinese-and-soviet-involvement/#Early_Soviet_attitudes for more detailed information.
      • Discuss the limited availability of publicly released information on this topic.
      • Before the second civil war, Stalin provided minimal support but did supply German weapons.
      • China provided some support in terms of weapons.
      • After the Gulf of Tonkin incident, Chinese support escalated.
        • While the US conducted airstrikes through the Rolling Thunder campaign, China provided construction support.
        • China also sent troops to protect North Vietnam, enabling the North Vietnamese Army to focus on fighting in South Vietnam.
      • The Soviet Union, under the leadership of Brezhnev, increased its support.
        • Kosygin’s visit to South Vietnam and the provision of significant military aid followed.
        • By the late 1960s, more than three-quarters of the military and technical equipment received by North Vietnam came from the Soviet Union.
        • The aid provided by the Soviet Union was free, not a loan.
    • P3: Other factors

      • Discuss the weaknesses of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN).
      • Highlight the popularity of Ho Chi Minh and the unpopularity of Diem.
      • Discuss the effectiveness of guerrilla warfare, using the content from the ”Guerilla warfare in two civil wars” outline.

Possible Essay Questions

Resources

Notes