1963 South Vietnamese coup d'état facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 1963 South Vietnamese coup d'état |
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Part of the Buddhist crisis of the Vietnam War | |||||||
President Diệm of South Vietnam, deposed in a coup |
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Belligerents | |||||||
ARVN rebels RVNMD rebels RVNAD rebels RVNAF rebels |
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Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Trần Văn Đôn Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. Trần Văn Hương |
Ngô Đình Diệm Ngô Đình Nhu Ngô Đình Cẩn Lê Quang Tung Hồ Tấn Quyền Huỳnh Văn Cao |
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Strength | |||||||
Two battalions of the 5th Division Two marine battalions Two airborne battalions Miscellaneous trainee units and air force aircraft |
~150 men of the Presidential Guard ARVN Special Forces |
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Casualties and losses | |||||||
9 dead 46 wounded |
5 dead 44 wounded |
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Civilians: 20 dead, 146 wounded |
In November 1963, President Ngô Đình Diệm and the Personalist Labor Revolutionary Party of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) were deposed by a group of CIA-backed Army of the Republic of Vietnam officers who disagreed with Diệm's policies. In South Vietnam, the coup was referred to as Cách mạng 1-11-63 ("1 November 1963 Revolution").
Contents
Background
At that time, Diệm was the president of South Vietnam. He had been in power since 1955 and was supported by the United States because they believed he could help stop the spread of communism from North Vietnam. However, many people in South Vietnam were unhappy with Diệm's leadership. He was known for oppressive rule and often ignored the needs of the Buddhist majority in the country, leading to protests and unrest.
The Coup
On November 1, 1963, a group of South Vietnamese army officers, led by General Dương Văn Minh, decided to take action against Diệm. They believed that Diệm's government was failing and that a change was necessary. The coup was planned carefully, and when it began, it went smoothly. Many of Diệm's loyal supporters were caught off guard, and the coup leaders quickly took control of the government.
By the next day, Diệm and his brother, who was also a key advisor, were captured. They were both killed shortly after their arrest. This event marked a dramatic shift in South Vietnam's political landscape.
Reactions
The coup received mixed reactions both in Vietnam and around the world. Some people hoped that the new leaders would bring about positive changes, especially for the Buddhist community. However, others were concerned that this change would lead to more chaos and violence.
The United States, which had been involved in supporting Diệm, was aware of the coup plans but did not intervene to stop it. This decision was controversial and has been debated by historians ever since.
Assessment
The 1963 coup in South Vietnam was a pivotal moment in the Vietnam War, leading to a series of further conflicts and changes in leadership. It highlighted the struggles within the country and the complex involvement of foreign powers like the United States. This event is an important part of history that shows how political changes can have far-reaching effects on a nation and its people.
Images for kids
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Diệm's brother Ngô Đình Nhu (right), shaking hands with then US Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1961