Diems regime → deeply unpopular → seen by many → as authoritarian
US tried to pressure Diem → into land reforms
- would have redistributed land to poorer peasants.
- From US perspective → this would:
- increase support for regime
- help counter effects of communist propaganda.
However Diem not interested.
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mainly because most his supporters in country were landlord class.
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some land reforms carried out: not enough to benefit peasants many landlords clung on to their wealth.
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by 1960 → reform program completely stalled
Corruption and Discrimination
Diems regime → was also corrupt.
- he blatantly practiced → nepotism
- by appointing his brothers as key officials and diplomats.
- refused to hold elections → even for local councils.
there were widespread protests against his regime.
- often led by well organised, well educated + influential Buddhist monks → whom the regime showed little respect for.
Some of Diems pro catholic policies → also had antagonised Buddhist majority in country.
- some Buddhist monks → protested → self immolation
- graphic images of self immolation made Diem even more unpopular among people.
US → concerned + frustrated → by Diem’s actions → but could not find anyone better.
1950s → US supported his regime → with 1.6 billion. Despite US support → regime was weak + unable to prevent communist insurgency in countryside.