The Civil War in South Vietnam

What was the civil war in South Vietnam?

In 1957, after growing opposition to Diem's government in South Vietnam, people left their homes and moved into the jungle to form armed resistance groups.

When did the civil war in South Vietnam happen?

The civil war in South Vietnam broke out in 1957, and ended with the murder of Diem in November 1963.

Where did the civil war in South Vietnam happen?

The civil war was fought across South Vietnam, with much of the fighting taking place in the jungle. Supply lines for the NFL ran along the borders of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. This became known as the Ho Chi Minh Trail, and it was an important part of the war.

Who was involved in the civil war in South Vietnam?

The civil war in South Vietnam was fought between Diem and the ARVN (South Vietnamese Army), supported by the USA, against the National Liberation Front, which was funded by Ho Chi Minh in North Vietnam.

Why was there a civil war in South Vietnam?

The civil war broke out as an attempt to overthrow Diem's regime, due to its brutality and corruption. Many South Vietnamese people saw the government as cruel; Madame Nhu, the First Lady of South Vietnam, celebrated when the Buddhist Quang Duc set himself on fire and called it a 'barbecue'.

What role did the USA play in the civil war in South Vietnam?

The USA was desperate to keep Diem in power in order to stop the spread of communism. America supported Diem during the civil war.

• ❖ The USA gave the ARNV weapons, fighter jets, and helicopters.
• ❖ It gave $1.6 billion of financial aid to South Vietnam in the 1950s.
• ❖ It sent advisers to train ARVN soldiers on how to fight the NLF.
• ❖ It used propaganda to try and turn people against communism. It said the Vietminh and the Chinese were killing civilians in South Vietnam, including those who opposed communism in the north.

How did the civil war in South Vietnam end?

By 1961 the USA realised how unpopular Diem was, and withdrew its support. With no protection, Diem fell victim to a coup. He was captured by ARVN generals on 1st November, 1963, and shot the next day.