The Political Relationship Of The United States And South...

The Vietnam conflict was a ruthless and long war that had serious consequences for everyone involved and would prove to be a shameful and infamous snapshot of American foreign policy at work. This paper will highlight the geo-political relationship of the United States and South Vietnam, focusing on events taking place after the Geneva accords of 1954, in the attempts to insure a non-communist Vietnam. The United States’ refused to sign the Geneva accords (because the U.S. refused any possibility of communist control over Vietnam), but elections were to be held in 1956 to decide the ruling government by popular vote. The U.S. government created SEATO (Southeast Asia Treaty Organization), a regional alliance that swore to protect South Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos in the event of Communist rule. SEATO quickly came into full force and became the exact mechanism Washington used to justify its support of South Vietnam. This support of course even became the direct involvement of U.S. troops in Vietnam. In 1955, the U.S. picked Ngo Dinh Diem to replace Bao Dai as the head of the regime in South Vietnam. In a move to consolidate the power, Prime Minister Diem called for a referendum between Emperor Bao Dai and himself. In a very banana republic-esque way, Diem won that referendum by over 98% of the vote (although a questionable legitimacy to say the least). With help, guidance and U.S. encouragement, Diem refused participation in the Geneva-planned elections that Ho Chi MinhShow MoreRelatedThe Nature And Consequences Of Vietnam1576 Words   |  7 Pagesconsequences of US involvement in Vietnam until 1968 are categorically characterised by Economic, Social, political and military linkages with the nation on both flanks of the demilitarised zone on the 17th parallel. 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