After Dien Bien Phu, Ho Chi Minh only gained control of northern Vietnam because southern Vietnam was against Communism. Premier Ngo Dinh Diem of South Vietnam, a Catholic anti-communist, disagreed with Ho Chi Minh’s dream of a united Vietnam (1). This split in beliefs led to Vietnam’s civil war, lasting from 1954 to 1975 (6). During this war, South Vietnam gained the support of America, only because the U.S. did not want Communism to spread into South East Asia (6). The civil war caused a change in governing style (6). The south became oppressive (6). They began enforcing the “strategic hamlet” program where people were moved to pre-made villages to avoid contact with Viet Minh (6). The idea backfired and people became unhappy with the government (6). Later, a Communist uprising made its way into South Vietnam, currently weak from unpopularity, and had a coup d’état in 1963. Premier Ngo Dinh Diem was assassinated.
Subsequent to this incident, U.S. president, John F. Kennedy, sent “advisors” to Vietnam, trying to help South Vietnam (6). These Americans became more than advisors, as they evolved into full-fledged soldiers for South Vietnam (6). Tension rose when USS Maddox was hit by North Vietnam and U.S. president, Lyndon B. Johnson, waged war (6). Americans at home were ardently against this decision (6). This lead to “Vietnamization,” a policy created by Richard Nixon to withdraw American troops and give power back to South Vietnam (6). The U.S. finally left Vietnam in 1975, leaving the South East Asian country in ruins (6). Vietnam’s economy plummeted and severe inflation occurred as northern and southern Vietnam continued to fight. On April 30th of 1975, North Vietnam defeated the quickly deteriorating South Vietnam after taking control of Saigon (6). Vietnam was finally united and independent.
