The North tightened communist control, while Diem's harsh and unfair rule in the South turned many people against him.
In the North, Ho Chi Minh and the party leaders tightened their control. Land was taken from landlords and given to poorer farmers, weakening the old landowners. But the campaign was violent, and opponents were punished. Stronger control did not mean everyone supported the government. The North rebuilt its economy, strengthened its army and kept its aim of reunifying Vietnam.
In the South, Diem relied on US aid and silenced political opponents. His government needed legitimacy: people had to accept its right to rule and be willing to cooperate. Harsh rule and favouritism lost him that trust.
The strategic hamlet programme tried to cut villagers off from armed rebels by moving them into fenced, guarded settlements. Some families were forced from their homes and fields. So a policy meant to improve security could create anger.
In 1963, the Buddhist crisis showed another source of opposition. Buddhists protested against discrimination, and Diem's crackdown made them angrier. Criticising Diem did not make every Buddhist or unhappy farmer a communist. In November 1963, South Vietnamese generals overthrew and killed Diem in a coup, a seizure of power. Removing him did not bring a stable government or solve the wider problems.
- Land reform
- North takes land from landlords, often violently.
- Strategic hamlets
- Fenced villages to separate farmers from rebels.
- November 1963
- Diem overthrown and killed by his generals.
Worked example: Why a protected village might lose trust
A farming family is forced to move into a fenced village. This happened in some areas, not all.
- They lose their home and easy access to their fields.
- The aim was safety, but the family feels punished.
- So a security policy can turn people against the government.
Watch out for this
Every opponent of Diem was a communist taking orders from the North.
Many opponents, such as Buddhist protesters, simply objected to Diem's harsh and unfair rule.
Check your understanding
Why did many South Vietnamese turn against Diem?
- He held free elections that the communists won.
- He gave land to poor farmers, angering the USA.
- His harsh rule, favouritism and forced moves lost their trust.