Research Paper on "Rise of Ngo Dinh Diem"

Research Paper 12 pages (4262 words) Sources: 4

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Rise of Ngo Dihn Diem

The history of Vietnam is full of number of different individuals, from across the political spectrum. One such example is Ngo Dinh Diem, he was known as a staunch anti-communist and the first President of South Vietnam. His rise would take place from humble beginnings, which were often hidden by lies and half truths. Yet, in spite of this fact, Diem's rise to power would play a role in shaping how the course of the Vietnam War would unfold. As he would serve as a bridge, that would link Vietnam directly with its colonial past; while his inevitable demise would signal a major shift in American policy in Vietnam. To fully understand the overall role that Diem played in this complex and twisted relationship; requires you to examine the rise and fall Ngo Dinh Diem. This will highlight the overall challenges faced by the Untied States during the early stages of its involvement in Vietnam War. It is through understanding this relationship between the two; that will help you to understand how the rise and fall Diem would serve as an indicator of U.S. policy in Vietnam.

The Formation of an Anti-Communist

Ngo Dinh Diem was born in Hue on January 3, 1901. At an early age he would be influenced by both religion and civil service. As his father would originally attempt to become a priest and then would abandon these plans, to become an advisor the French Colonial Emperor. Deeply religious, the family would attend Catholic services regularly. This would have a profound impact on Diem, as his father would resign from civil service and become a farmer. At the age of fifteen he would work with the family in various rice patty fields. Then, a few months later Diem would go to live with his brother (Ngo Dinh Thuc), with the intention of becoming a priest. After, realizing that the discipline and regiment of study were more than he wanted to endure, Diem would move to Hanoi. This is where he would attend the School of Public Administration and Law. During the course of his studies, he began to become interested in various aspects of civil service. At which point, he would seek out a position working with in the French colonial government. Where, Diem first served at the Royal Library in Hue. Within one year, his work ethic and leadership would help him to become the District Chief (which was responsible for 27 villages). As time went by, he would make connections within the government, which would allow him to see rapid promotions over the next several years. The French viewed Diem as a hard worker; however, they did not like his fiery rhetoric of an independent Vietnam. Frustrated he thought of resigning his position to become a priest, but quickly changed his mind. As Diem continued to provide assistance to the French, the most notable would include the fact that he help round up communist agitators in 1929.

For his loyalty, he would be promoted to Governor of Thiet Province. This is significant for the Diem, because it would continue to shape his anti-communist views as the Governor. As peasant revolts, organized by the communists would be suppressed under his rule. After the revolts were successfully suppressed, Diem would be promoted to Interior Minister, by the French. However, his views of an independent Vietnam would continue to influence him; as he continued to call for an independent state. This angered the French, who forced him to resign, stripped him of all power / influence and threatened to throw him in jail.

What this shows, is that Diem was influenced by his Catholic beliefs and the ideas of civil service. These two areas would shape who he would become, as his faith would push him to seek out a career in civil service. Yet, his desire for independence and his staunch anti-communist beliefs would be shaped during this time. As the various insurrections and unrest would only make him more opposed to ideology. This was fueled by his religious beliefs and the influence he received as a civil servant. Together these different elements would allow Diem to be seen as someone they could trust. However, his rogue nature is what would spell the inevitable demise of him as a civil servant during the 1930's.

World War II and Independence

During World War II Diem, would remain a private citizen that would focus on his hobbies of: gardening, hunting, meditating, reading, going to church and photography. He supported the Japanese invasion of Vietnam, hoping and encouraging them to declare Vietnam an independent country. However, these suggestions were largely ignored by various Japanese officials. After the French realized what was happening, they immediately order the arrest of Diem. At which point, he fled to Saigon to serve in the Japanese leaning government. After, the Japanese withdrew, Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam an independent republic. Captured by Ho Chi Minh's forces, he was exiled and offered a position in the Minh government. After refusing, because they were communist leaning, he was released. Irritated by what took place, Ho Chi Minh ordered his arrest; however, as the fighting intensified between the French and the Ho Chi Minh. This caused the arrest of Diem to be put on hold, as the different resources were diverted to fighting the French. During this time he would establish an anti-communist political party, the Vietnam National Alliance. Their platform was for France to grant Vietnam its independence through a loosely-based confederation. As Diem, would often claim that he was third choice for the people between colonialism and communism. This angered Ho Chi Minh, who tried and sentenced him to death. The French were so upset by his comments and the establishment of the political party, that they said they would not protect him against Ho Chi Minh. After having a close call on his life, he would leave the country.

During this time he would travel throughout Europe and the United States, going on speaking tours encouraging the development of an independent South Vietnam. As he would often claim, that the free world can save the Vietnamese people from having to choose between colonialism and communism. During the outbreak of the Korean War he met with Douglas McArthur and tried to secure American support for his position. However, with the Korean War heating up McArthur declined. Diem would then travel to New York and Washington, where he would attempt to lobby the Eisenhower administration to support his ideas. Then, after the French were defeated at Dien Bien Phu in 1954, a conference was called in Geneva to settle the issue of Vietnam. While not at the conference, the various meetings with the Eisenhower administration would have a major impact in deterring the future of Vietnam, as they lobbied to have him named as the Prime Minister. Under the different accords that were negotiated, Deim would be named as Prime Minister that would run the anti-communist South, while the North would be run by Ho Chi Minh. The two countries would remain divided along the 17th parallel, until free elections can take place, to unite the country under one government. Diem would arrive in the country on June 26, 1955; to only a crowd of a few hundred supporters.

After arriving in South Vietnam, the French forces had withdrawn and referendum was held on October 23, 1955 (to determine the direction of South Vietnam). The two main candidates were Diem and the Emperor of Vietnam, with Diem advocating a republican form of government and the Emperor supporting a return of the monarchy. Since Diem, was firmly in control of power he was able to ban the Emperor from the election and had control of all polling stations throughout the country. This caused, Diem to win 98.2% of the vote, including: 605,025 votes in Saigon (where a total of 455,000 were registered). On October 26th Diem declared himself the winner and the President, forming the Republic of Vietnam. One of the first actions that Diem engaged in was: to cancel the reunification elections in 1956. With him saying that because the South Vietnamese delegation did not sign the document, they are not going to follow it. After facing fierce criticisms from the United States for such actions, Diem agreed to hold elections for a national assembly in 1959. However, like the election in 1955, this one would be full of fraud. As the government, would prevent the opposition candidates from being published in the newspaper. In many rural regions, those who supported opposition candidates were accused of collaborating with the Vietcong (which was punishable by death).

In spite of such challenges, the major opposition candidate Phan Quan Dan was allowed to run. Despite winning a nearly 6 to 1 majority at the polling stations, Diem had Dan arrested. As he was deploying 8,000 plain clothed troops throughout the country.

What all of this shows, is that Diem used his political… READ MORE

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