South Vietnam under Ngo Dinh Diem?
In 1956 Ngo Dinh Diem called off the elections that were set up under the Geneva Accords, since he (and the U.S.) knew that Ho Chi Minh would have won. (Even President Eisenhower admitted that 80% of the Vietnamese people would have possibly voted for Ho Chi Minh). He then assumed power of “South” Vietnam. He alienated many of the peasants by by cancelling their traditional local elections, and forcing them off their land into “agrovilles” surrounded by barbed wire. Despite the corruption, oppression of political opponents, and the fact that Diem was an unpopular leader – the U.S. propped up his dictatorship. He promoted his military leaders on the basis of loyalty, and not merit; the sure way to remain in power – but also the sure way to lose the war. When Ngo Dinh Diem was overthrown and assassinated in 1963 – none of his generals came to defend him. In fact, it was the U.S. who backed the coup that removed him from power and installed a new leader. * typoifd, the TV show M*A*S*H* is
