Vietnam 1935 - 1965 

In the course of one hundred years, the Vietnamese people were colonised by the Chinese, the French, the Japanese during WW2, the French again after WW2, fought a devastating war with the United States, and finally, a war with China. Our investigation starts with the period of French colonisation.

It starts with the Indochine Francais.

French colonialism began in the 1880’s and lasted until 1954. By the late 1880s, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia were all controlled by France and collectively referred to as Indochine Français (French Indochina). Indochina became one of France’s most important colonial possessions. 

French imperialism was driven by a demand for resources, raw materials and cheap labour. The development of colonised nations was only considered when it benefitted French interests. In general, French colonialism was more haphazard, expedient and brutal than British colonialism. Paris never designed or promoted a coherent colonial policy in Indochina.  

Rice and rubber were the main cash crops produced in the French Vietnamese colony. The amount of land used for growing rice almost quadrupled in the 20 years after 1880 while Cochinchina (southern Vietnam) had 25 gigantic rubber plantations. By the 1930s, Indochina was supplying 60,000 tons of rubber each year, five per cent of all global production. The French also constructed factories and built mines to tap into Vietnam’s deposits of coal, tin and zinc.

To do: Colonial rule in six questions. Use the following link to answer the questions.

French colonialism in Vietnam - Alpha History

The mission civilisatrice

  1. How did the French justify their colonial policies?

    Economic exploitation

  2. Describe the driving force of French colonialism in Indochina

    Appalling conditions

  3. Use examples to characterise the working conditions for Vietnamese workers in the French colony.

    Colonial taxes

  4. List the taxes imposed by the French on the Vietnamese.

  5. How did the French Authorities use opium to control the colony?

    Control and collaboration

  6. Why did the French use local collaborators to control the local population?

The Japanese occupation.

The Japanese began stationing troops in the territory at the beginning of WW2. They were expanding throughout south-east Asia and seeking greater control over China’s southern border. Japanese propaganda claimed they were liberating Asian countries form Western imperialism and creating an "Asia for Asians." The Japanese colonisation was limited because they did not have the ability for a complete invasion.

The Vietnamese Resistance

The Japanese occupation led to the formation of the Viet Minh, a communist independence movement. The group was led by Ho Chi Minh, meaning ‘Bringer of Light’. The end of French colonial authority benefited the Viet Minh. They flourished without pressure from French troops, gaining numbers and seizing control of parts of north-western Vietnam Ho Chi Minh condemned the Japanese occupation and declared the Japanese his “number one enemy” – but he resisted calls for a major Viet Minh campaign against them (Echoes of Mao). The Viet Minh was one of several Vietnamese groups struggling against foreign rule. It evolved into a significant political movement and a military force strong enough to defeat the French.

Two weeks after Hiroshima, the Viet Minh announced Vietnamese independence.

Fun fact: During WW2 the Viet minh were Western allies while the French allied with Germany

Independence (Briefly)

The Vietminh declared independence. Ho Chi Minh took advantage of the post WW2 vacuum and proclaimed the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. An interesting question is why Ho Chi Minh was attracted to Communism. It was this socialist leaning that would ultimately lead the US to see the Vietnam situation as a crucial one in their Cold War with the USSR and China.

2. The French. Again.

First Indo China War - December 1946 to August 1954

The arrival of Chinese and British troops in Vietnam to oversee the Japanese withdrawal weakened the Viet Minh position. The Chinese and British troops were anti-communist and allowed the restoration of French rule. The resulting tensions led to the outbreak of the First Indochina War in late 1946.

  1. The Viet Minh had superior numbers but lacked the weapons, munitions and technology of the French. Led by General Giap, the Viet Minh General and chief strategist, they retreated to remote areas on the border with Laos to train, gather support and instigate a protracted guerrilla war.  Under Giap, the Viet Minh avoided direct battle and forced the French forces to fight in a large often remote areas.

  2. The inability to strike a decisive blow against the Viet Minh and some failed military operations led to France seeking a political solution. Paris sought to undermine the Viet Minh by establishing an independent republic of Vietnam, led by the figurehead, emperor Bao Dai, who would still be under the control of the French.

  3. In 1952-53 the Viet Minh began to move men and supplies into remote areas of French-occupied Laos. This change in tactics led to a decisive military confrontation at Dien Bien Phu.

The decisive battle: Dien Bien Phu - December 1953

Dien Bien Phu, was a garrison set up 350 km from Hanoi in a remote valley near the Laos border. In December 1953, the French established a stronghold there, manned by 13,000 soldiers. Including the the French Army’s top troops and its elite Foreign Legion. Gen. Vo Nguyen's Chinese advisers told him to strike elite French forces fast and hard, but Giap changed plans at the last minute and ordered his jungle troops, clad in sandals made of old car tires, to besiege the French army. The French were defeated after 56 days. The unlikely victory led Vietnam's independence and hastened the collapse of colonialism across Indochina.

To do: Questions

  1. Why did the French have a large garrison in such a remote area?

  2. Describe the resources of the Viet Minh using examples.

  3. How did the Chinese military advice reflect Mao Zedong's guerrilla strategy?

  4. How did the Viet Minh strategy at Dien Bien Phu differ from his previous strategy?

  5. What was the significance of Dien Bien Phu for Vietnam?

Dien Bien Phu satellite view

The Geneva accords - Two Vietnam's

  • July 1954: After the French defeat, the Geneva Accords divide Vietnam at the 17th parallel. the US and South Vietnam refuse to sign.

  • October: The French leave Hanoi. Ho Chi Minh returns from exile to take control of North Vietnam.

  • Bao Dai appoints Ngo Dinh Diem, a Catholic anti-communist, as prime minister in South Vietnam. (An American choice due to his strong anti-communist beliefs)

  • Mass migration of Vietnamese between north and south. Almost one million flee the North.

  • November: Ho Chi Minh is profiled in TIME magazine, which describes him as a “ruthless” and dedicated communist.

  • January 1955: American military advisors arrive in South Vietnam as the Pentagon begins supplying military aid directly to Saigon.

  • July 1956: Deadline passes for elections on the unification of Vietnam, required by the Geneva Accords.

 What were the Geneva Accords - ThoughtCo 

To do: Questions

  1. Explain the outcome of the Geneva Accords.

  2. What was the reason for the US refusal?

  3. Why did the US choose Ngo Dinh Diem to lead South Vietnam?

  4. Explain the significance of the arrival of US military advisers in South Vietnam.

  5. What were the US government concerns?

The partition of Vietnam

Activity 1. Who was Ho Chi Minh?

Ho Chi Minh was born Nguyen Sinh Cung in 1890. His father was a teacher who held strong nationalist views. As a young man, he travelled the world, working in Europe and petitioning for Vietnamese independence at Versailles. He returned to Vietnam to lead the Viet Minh in WW2,. The group assisted the United States in the struggle against Japanese forces during World War II. After World War II, Ho sought to exploit the power vacuum in Vietnam, declaring independence in September 1945. Between 1946 and 1954 he led the Viet Minh against French colonial forces in the First Indochina War.

Ho became the figurehead and ideological mentor of both North Vietnam and its ruling party, the Lao Dong, though his authority as a dictator was overstated in the West. Ho’s leadership, calm nature, intellect and frugal way of life made him enormously popular with his people.

To do: Create a personality profile of Ho Chi Minh.

  1. Who was Ho Chi Minh?

  2. How did he become involved in Socialist politics?

  3. Describe his role during WW2.

  4. Why did he resist pressure to fight the Japanese openly? (What was his influence in this case?)

  5. How was Ho Chi Minh perceived by the people of Vietnam?

  6. What was his role in the First Indo China war?

  7. What were his beliefs?

  8. What was his role in the Vietnamese independence movement?

  9. Who were the Viet Minh?

Background briefing: Cold War and the Domino Theory

The politics of Asia during this period can be understood in terms of the Cold War. A conflict between the USA and the Soviet Union between 1945 and 1991. The two countries never fought directly, the consequences would have been devastating due to the development of nuclear weapons – but they did ‘fight’ in proxy wars using client states.

The conflict dominated international affairs until 1991. Both sides believed in their ideology and world view with almost religious conviction, it was global power struggle were both sides attempted to gain economic and political dominance. For example, South Vietnam was anti-Communist and was supplied by America during the war while North Vietnam was pro-Communist and fought using weapons from communist Russia.

The Domino Theory was a metaphor for the spread of communism, by then US President Eisenhower in an April 7, 1954. The United States had been rattled by the so-called "loss" of China to the communists in 1949. Eisenhower worried that Communism would inevitably spread to Thailand and the rest of Southeast Asia. (In the end only Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos became communist). He also highlighted the threat to Japan, Australia and New Zealand. US leaders would use the theory to justify US intervention in Southeast Asia, and the war in Vietnam.

"…..You could have the beginning of a disintegration that would have the most profound influences. Communist Vietnamese under Ho Chi Minh are on the verge of victory over the French …..this could create a "falling domino" effect in Southeast Asia.'

President Eisenhower. April 7, 1954

A month after the Domino speech, the French lost the Battle of Dien Bien Phu & North Vietnam was created as a communist state. South Vietnam remained 'democratic'. The US prepared the next military involvement in Southeast Asia.

To do: The Dominoes are falling! Will Australia be next?

Write a Belair Bugle article explaining the Domino theory to the readers of Belair.

Key points

  • What is a Cold War? (Use quotes and examples)

  • Explain the Domino theory. (Use quotes and examples)

  • Is there a risk of 'domino's falling toward’ Australia.

  • Use an annotated map to illustrate the potential ‘country domino's’ in Asia.

  • Is communism 'contagious', by that I mean, do we need to 'destroy Vietnam to protect it'?

Sources: Cold War in Asia

The Cold War in Asia was a significant aspect of the global Cold War, involving the major powers, the United States, Soviet Union, and China. Key events included the Korean War, Vietnam War, and the Sino-Soviet split. The conflict shaped diplomacy and warfare across the region, affecting countries including North and South Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia. The United States implemented containment policies to prevent the spread of communism (The domino theory), while China and the USSR competed for influence.

10 Sources Analysis Answer Guide

Don’t forget: Quote often and begin your response with name of the author, not the Source number. Put the source number in brackets at the end of the quote/paraphrasing.

For example:

This is supported by Jones who states that 'History students would be more popular at parties if they used this method.' (Source 3) 

More successful responses:

  • contain relevant evidence (quotes and observations) from sources when required.

Less successful responses

  • provide responses without reference to any evidence from the source

  • state that sources are limited without explaining why using evidence

  • do not assess the nature of sources clearly

  • do not explain how the nature and origin of the sources are a strength or limitation

  • do not include the source in the response.

Source 1. Same again? Punch magazine. London, 1950

Before WW2, the allies practiced a policy of appeasement toward Hitler to avoid war. It was thought that Hitler was reasonable and, when his reasonable demands had been satisfied, he would stop. Critics argued that by appeasing Stalin's actions in Korea (supporting the North Koreans), it would lead to further escalations (Domino Theory).

Questions

  1. What is the message of the cartoon in Source 1? (2)

Source 2. The Cuban missile crisis. Daily Post, USA 1962

Russian plans to place nuclear weapons in Cuba led to the Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962. It was a direct and dangerous confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War and was the moment when the two superpowers came closest to nuclear conflict.

Questions

  1. What is the message of the cartoon in Source 2? (2)

Source 4. Political aims of the Vietnam War. Speech excerpt. US president Lyndon Johnson. 1966

What happens in South Vietnam will determine – yes, it will determine – whether ambitious and aggressive nations can use guerrilla warfare to conquer their weaker neighbors. It will determine whether might makes right. Now I do not know of a single more important reason for our presence than this. We are fighting in South Vietnam a different kind of war than we have ever known in the past…

Questions

  1. Use evidence from the source to charecterise the presidents view of the US role in Vietnam. (2)

Source 5. MACV memo on Vietnam and winning the war (1965)

The Military Assistance Command Vietnam (MACV) drafted a secret memo on Vietnam, suggesting how the war there could be won.

‘In South Vietnam, our strategy is to seek out and destroy Communist forces and infrastructure by expanded, offensive military operations. United States and Free World Military Forces, in coordination with the KVNAF [South Vietnamese armed forces] will take the fight to the enemy by attacking his main force and interdicting his lines of communication on land, along the coast, and on inland waterways. Reconnaissance operations into enemy areas will be increased. Intelligence collections will be improved. Bombardment of enemy base areas will be intensified with increased ground follow-up.'

These operations will result in progressive destruction of enemy forces and infrastructure.”

Questions

  1. How does source 5 support source 3? (4)

Source 1. Same again? Punch 1950

Source 2. The Cuban Missile Crisis 1962.

Source 3. On communist revolution in South Vietnam. Le Duan. 1956

Le Duan was a North Vietnamese leader, effectively second in command after Ho Chi Minh.

‘There are those who think that American violence is now aimed at killing the leaders of the revolutionary movement to destroy the Communist Party, and that the Party will not have the capacity to lead the revolution. This judgment is incorrect. Those who lead the revolutionary movement are determined to protect and serve the interest of the masses. Between the masses and communists there is no distinction any more.’

Questions

  1. Use evidence from the source to characterise the North Vietnamese view of the US role in Vietnam. (2)

The US in South Vietnam

  1. Between 1954 and 1963 South Vietnam was a democratic republic, propped up by American political, military and financial support. In reality, it was corrupt and undemocratic.

  2. South Vietnam’s leader, Ngo Dinh Diem, was a corrupt dictator, who surrounded himself with family members, Catholic acolytes and US advisors.

  3. During his rule, Ngo Dinh Diem authorised brutal campaigns against his political enemies, particularly suspected communists (1955-59) and Vietnam’s Buddhist monks (1963).

  4. Diem’s social program included the failed ‘Agroville’ and ‘strategic hamlet’ resettlement programs. His economic reforms, helped by foreign trade, were more successful.

  5. The United States supported Diem and his government with advisors and money, however by August 1963 Diem was a liability and Washington began investigating ways to remove him.

 Russia and China in North Vietnam

  1. The USSR wanted to avoid direct involvement in Asia and urged the North Vietnamese to accept the terms of the Geneva Accords.. Soviet interest would increase during the second Vietnam War.

  2. Stalin (USSR) urged China to assist with the supply and development of North Vietnam, which it did through the 1950s.  Co-operation between China and the Viet Minh included military, economic and aid.

  3. By the late 1960s, the USSR was North Vietnam’s main benefactor, providing most of its aid and equipment. The Sino-Soviet split in this period forced North Vietnam to align closely with Moscow.

 To do: Questions

  1. How did the US support the South Vietnamese government?

  2. Why do you think the US tolerated corruption in the Ngo government?

  3. Use examples to show how  Ngo respond to his enemies?

  4. Describe how this would have impacted community opinion in South Vietnam.

  5. Do you think corruption in South Vietnam contributed to US involvement in Vietnam?

  6. How did the Chinese communist party support the new government in North Vietnam?