MR LEES HOW FASR WAS PRESIDENT KENNEDY

“How far was the growing conflict in Vietnam in the 1960s due to the policies of President Kennedy?”

President Kennedy's policies did play a role in the growing conflict within Vietnam during the 1960s; however this was only only to certain extent and other factors such as fear of communism expansion, the threat of Laos, American prestige and the unpredictable, brutal nature of Diem 'western democracy' in South Vietnam all played a role in escalating the Vietnam conflict.

President Kennedy's policies undoubtedly played a role in the growing Vietnam conflict. His speeches both in public and at the NSAM 52 set out the basis for America's increasing involvement, as well as the idea that Vietnam was to become a “process of escalation” as the war continued past the expected time line, with promises to stop communism while “bearing any burden …” This was a promise Kennedy followed through with in various ways: he sent out more helicopters and planes (despite it breaking the Geneva Accords in 1952) after Vice President Johnson's report on South Vietnam. The amount of advisers (MAAG) under Kennedy increased from his predecessor's mere 1,000 to a staggering amount of 16,000 in 1961. Furthermore, the defence budget – which was cut under Eisenhower – was increased from $40 billion to $50 billion.

These moves by Kennedy were positive, America had made itself into a 'defender' and subsequently felt the need to fulfil its 'duties' such as training the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) and providing air support all without sending in ground troops until crucial, saving lives while still maintaining their prestige. However, the increase came at a huge financial cost – which the press and the public began to question – all in the need to 'look strong' against communism, which they used against the Democrats who had note. As a result, Kennedy needed to stand up to Vietnam, thus leading to his increased involvement.

Secondly, fear of communist expansion was a constant factor in the Vietnam war. America – despite wishing to stop communism – was reluctant to confront either China or the USSR, this would hinder them in Laos which later played a huge role in supporting the Viet Minh and the Viet Cong. This was a reason why Kennedy ignored Eisenhower's advice on Laos – the small county near Vietnam – which was about to fall to communism due to the strength of their Pathet Lao (their communist party). Laos shared a border with China, one reasons why the USA did not want to interfere; America had faced humiliating defeat in Korea when the Chinese launched their 'dragon attacks' which led to the longest American retreat recorded (over 300 miles). After going to Geneva, Laos remained neutral.

This was a success in terms of stopping expansion but was a turning point in the Viet Minh's favour. Had America been more forceful with Laos, even at the possible cost of lives and more spending, the Ho Chi Minh trail might not have been used later in the war to supply weapons to the Viet Cong – rebel soldiers – that thought for the Viet Minh within South Vietnam. This could have shortened the war by a considerable amount and saved lives.

Despite Kennedy's policies such as increased defence budget and armed support and the fear of communist expansion which both undoubtedly escalated the conflict in Vietnam, it was not only outside forces that contributed to the growing conflict.

Indisputably, the most influential factor for the growing conflict in Vietnam was Diem and his regime, who was the only thing between communism and Vietnam apparently. The brutality and lack of understanding created divisions within South Vietnam; Diem openly favoured Catholics like himself and prosecuted Buddhists (which most Vietnamese were) through banning religious festivals, flying religious flags and by openly devoting the country to the Virgin Mary. This along with plans such as Agrovilles – relocating people to new towns for welfare and education – and the Strategic Hamlets plan – in order to starve the Viet Cong of support – furthered the division between the Vietnamese and Diem. This split created the National Liberation Front (also known as the Viet Cong) who supported the communist Viet Minh from inside South Vietnam; this would cause huge difficulties in the long run as they did not wear uniform, blended in and used guerilla warfare tactics.

America knew of Diem's regime - but believed he was the 'only option' despite his unsavoury methods – as did the rest of the world due to media coverage which horrified and changed the public opinion of the war. Most famously were coverage of a Viet Cong solider being executed and Diem's sister-in-law's comments about “barbecued monks” in reference to monks that burned themselves alive in protest of Diem's regime.

Had America intervened earlier, the Viet Cong mat not have been created – or at least had less support – meaning that the war would not have had two enemies (both inside and outside), one almost invisible. However, if this did happen it may have been at the cost of more money and increased casualties but if the Viet Cong did not exist many lives would not have been lost in the long run.

Overall, the growing conflict was partially due to the policies President Kennedy followed (increased defence budget, more weapons etc) and the fear of communism expansion which was the basis and continued motivation for the war as a whole. I believe that Diem was the most crucial factor the the increasing conflict within Vietnam, without his regime there may not have been a divide within South Vietnam itself (creation of the Viet Cong) which was ultimately why the war continued as long as it did.