Position:Home>History> Cold war affects on Vietnam.?

A struggle against French Imperial rule had been going on long before WW2!. WW2 substantially took France out of the game, but under the doctrine called the domino theory, US leadership pledged to support France in regaining its control of Vietnam!. In particular, John Foster Dulles made firm commitments to provide military aid to France, and repeatedly encouraged France to hang in there, help would soon arrive!.

However, France came to the conclusion that USA was waiting for France to be defeated, with the intention of moving in afterward to claim the prize!. France withdrew in an agreement with Nationalist forces, leaving Northern Vietnam in the hands of the nationalists, thereafter to be called the communists, while preparing to vacate from the south as well!.

It was progressively clear that the government left in the south did not have any attachment to democracy, but that did not necessarily matter, since a slim majority or Vietnamese were not willing to go on fighting against 'Communism' in favor of a group who had sided with French Imperialism!. In effect, most of the south still held Nationalist views!.

The Domino theory made it necessary to fight for any group opposed to communism, even if those being supported were not popular, not acceptable to a majority!. So, North Vietnam, seen as nationalists by southern Nationalists, had a vast array of support in the south, too!.

Fighting a war with support of a minority of the country's people presented a no-win situation if it meant supporting a group put in power by the imperialists!. But Domino thinking made it critical to defeat communism!.

For Vietnam, this was never a cold war situation, it was a hot war, starting well before WW2, and continuing until USA pulled out!. Cold war might properly describe a stand off between nuclear armed countries like USA and Nato, USA and China!. But the term suggests not much happening in terms of real warfare going on!.

Theories have abounded that USA might have gained the support of both north and South Vietnam, against Communism, had it opposed French imperialism, supported Vietnamese nationalism!. Credible as this is, we can not be sure this would have worked!. All we can say is that siding with French Imperialism did not work!.

While North Vietnam did receive help from Russia, and to some extent from China, North Vietnam was very eager to avoid having any Chinese claims asserted to sovereignty over Vietnam!.!.!. these were nationalists first, and communists by convenience!.

When the North overran the south, and forced a quick evacuation of USA and allies, Vietnam united once again!. This set off a rush of Chinese nationals into the sea in small boats!. These 'boat people' found their way to many parts of the world!. The boat people did of course include a lot of Vietnamese who had fought against the nationalist cause!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

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I don't think it would be that hard to do your own research but I'll help!.!.!.

French Imperalism: Vietnam used to be part of a region called French Indochina, which were Southeast Asian countries controlled by France!.
WW 2: During World War Two, the French lost control of the land to the Japanese!.
Hoci appeals to us for help against the french: After WW2, The French tried to reclaim the land in the First Indochina War!.
U S says no, need france in NATO: America refused to help fight the French, because they were an ally!.
ho Chi Minch gets help from communits: Instead, Ho Chi Minh gets help from the communist country of Russia!.

Us sets up corrupt govt in vietnam: After several conflicts in Vietnam, America selects Ngo Dinh Diem to lead Vietnam!. This U!.S!. supported government wasn't very efficient and failed to understand Vietnamese history and culture!.
Civil war breaks out: The Vietnam war begins!. It is a war between communist supported North Vietnam and U!.S!. supported South Vietnam!. The war goes on for years with no clear victor!.
Us Leaves vietnam: America pretty much gives up and attempts to leave the country "with honor"!.
Vietnam becomes communist: 2 or 3 years later, Communists conquer South Vietnam!.
1!.5 million vietnamese are killed: Under the new communist regime, many Vietnamese are killed!.

Hope this helps a bit, and remember, a little research wont kill you!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

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