This episode gives us a view of a couple things. First of all, it shows us the paranoia that comes when the word Communist is introduced. Young men were willing to die because they saw the heroism that took place in the Second World War. What they didn't know was how volatile things were in Southeast Asia. As Ho came down with his troops, Dien and his compadres took over the South, aided and abetted by U. S. Dollars. This guy was an operator and he soon became a dictator as bad as any invading force could have come up with. In Saigon, there were demonstrations, including a series of self-immolation by Buddhist monks. Dien and Nhu soon were rounding up citizens, virtually anyone who opposed them and imprisoning and executing them. John Kennedy was helpless in this situation and made some very bad decisions. Of course, this ended in 1963, so JFK never saw the real results of his choices. We know that Lyndon Johnson is going to get the bulk of the decision making from then on. A second outstanding offering. At this point the Americans were seen as just another invading force and could not trust the people they were trying to defend.
5 Reviews
"We don't have a prayer of staying in Vietnam." - President John F. Kennedy
classicsoncall2 December 2017
Warning: Spoilers
This episode of "The Vietnam War" focuses on the period 1961 to 1963, corresponding to the short presidency of John F. Kennedy. Kennedy's approach to the escalating conflict was that of a limited war to confront and contain Communism. It was during this time frame that the concept of a 'domino theory' was formulated, that is, if one country in Southeast Asia were to fall to Communism, it was only a matter of time that others would as well. This thinking guided America's strategy for nearly a decade.
Kennedy dispatched Green Berets to Vietnam as part of a counterinsurgency initiative, while doubling the funding for the South Vietnamese Army (ARVN). It was Kennedy who authorized the use of napalm to defoliate Vietnamese jungles to make it easier to locate the Viet Minh. Additionally, South Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem embarked on a program of 'strategic hamlets', meant to protect villages from the enemy. Much of this strategy called for digging ditches and surrounding villages with barbed wire. These policies of Diem caused many South Vietnamese to question his tactics. They saw his government as corrupt and incompetent, and in doing so, many South Vietnamese began to throw their support to the Viet Cong.
Early American press coverage of the situation in Vietnam remained upbeat and supportive of U.S. policy, but eventually, some reporters began noting South Vietnamese disapproval of Diem's government. Compounding this disapproval was the fact that seventy percent of the South's population was Buddhist, while Diem's ruling regime was Catholic, with no tolerance for an opposing ideology. So in effect, both Buddhism and nationalism were opposed by Diem who was a staunch anti-Communist, resulting in massive demonstrations against the government of South Vietnam.
With the self immolation of a Buddhist monk, demonstrations and opposition to the Diem government began to grow. In response, Diem closed down all schools in the South, from universities all the way to elementary schools. Acknowledging the turning tide against Diem, President Kennedy effectively undercut the Diem regime by approving a military coup against the government of South Vietnam. Although Diem and his brother Ngo Dinh Nhu, his military strategist, successfully escaped the initial coup, they were killed shortly after. By this time at the end of 1963, America had sixteen thousand advisers on the ground in South Vietnam.
Kennedy dispatched Green Berets to Vietnam as part of a counterinsurgency initiative, while doubling the funding for the South Vietnamese Army (ARVN). It was Kennedy who authorized the use of napalm to defoliate Vietnamese jungles to make it easier to locate the Viet Minh. Additionally, South Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem embarked on a program of 'strategic hamlets', meant to protect villages from the enemy. Much of this strategy called for digging ditches and surrounding villages with barbed wire. These policies of Diem caused many South Vietnamese to question his tactics. They saw his government as corrupt and incompetent, and in doing so, many South Vietnamese began to throw their support to the Viet Cong.
Early American press coverage of the situation in Vietnam remained upbeat and supportive of U.S. policy, but eventually, some reporters began noting South Vietnamese disapproval of Diem's government. Compounding this disapproval was the fact that seventy percent of the South's population was Buddhist, while Diem's ruling regime was Catholic, with no tolerance for an opposing ideology. So in effect, both Buddhism and nationalism were opposed by Diem who was a staunch anti-Communist, resulting in massive demonstrations against the government of South Vietnam.
With the self immolation of a Buddhist monk, demonstrations and opposition to the Diem government began to grow. In response, Diem closed down all schools in the South, from universities all the way to elementary schools. Acknowledging the turning tide against Diem, President Kennedy effectively undercut the Diem regime by approving a military coup against the government of South Vietnam. Although Diem and his brother Ngo Dinh Nhu, his military strategist, successfully escaped the initial coup, they were killed shortly after. By this time at the end of 1963, America had sixteen thousand advisers on the ground in South Vietnam.
Piled higher and deeper
cordenw25 September 2017
For the people who think it's easy to make decisions in World Affairs, this is the program that will put you straight.
I made reference to treacle in my review of the the first episode and the situation just gets stickier as things move along. Regimes that we saw as friendly to our cause were in fact just scamming us for their own ends. The naive American view that they could make things better overlooked the fact that the rural Vietnamese detested them.
And who could blame them?
There was wholesale indiscriminate killing, blatant disregard for the Geneva Convention rules of war ( rules of war .. now there's an oxymoron if ever there was one) The various administrations and the permanent military had no idea as to what to do, other than bomb and immolate whatever land was below them.
It was always a case of : if you make this decision it will make these people angry, if you make the opposite decision it will make those people furious
Hey guys, did you ever try a REAL and EFFECTIVE United Nations?
But I digress, this riveting account confirms my own opinion. And my own opinion is that, even today, most Americans, especially those at the highest levels of Government, have no idea how to deal with world problems.That's probably because the majority think that going abroad means going to Hawaii!
Most of the American public have no idea where the countries in contention are!
The big shot's biggest mistakes invariably come from backing the wrong horse with their support for insurgents, it's like supplying guns to your enemies.
I should say that I myself have no idea as to how to deal with world problems but it does seem to me that less belligerent nations like China and India are more able to settle their disputes without violence.
Apart from the general incompetence that the series highlights, the most touching aspect of the entire theme is the forgiving nature of the Vietnamese people. There seems to be no bitterness towards the war or The Americans and they've left all the hatred behind. Compare that to the Middle East and you have to shake your head!
I made reference to treacle in my review of the the first episode and the situation just gets stickier as things move along. Regimes that we saw as friendly to our cause were in fact just scamming us for their own ends. The naive American view that they could make things better overlooked the fact that the rural Vietnamese detested them.
And who could blame them?
There was wholesale indiscriminate killing, blatant disregard for the Geneva Convention rules of war ( rules of war .. now there's an oxymoron if ever there was one) The various administrations and the permanent military had no idea as to what to do, other than bomb and immolate whatever land was below them.
It was always a case of : if you make this decision it will make these people angry, if you make the opposite decision it will make those people furious
Hey guys, did you ever try a REAL and EFFECTIVE United Nations?
But I digress, this riveting account confirms my own opinion. And my own opinion is that, even today, most Americans, especially those at the highest levels of Government, have no idea how to deal with world problems.That's probably because the majority think that going abroad means going to Hawaii!
Most of the American public have no idea where the countries in contention are!
The big shot's biggest mistakes invariably come from backing the wrong horse with their support for insurgents, it's like supplying guns to your enemies.
I should say that I myself have no idea as to how to deal with world problems but it does seem to me that less belligerent nations like China and India are more able to settle their disputes without violence.
Apart from the general incompetence that the series highlights, the most touching aspect of the entire theme is the forgiving nature of the Vietnamese people. There seems to be no bitterness towards the war or The Americans and they've left all the hatred behind. Compare that to the Middle East and you have to shake your head!
Riding the Tiger (1961-1963)
alzeem-3495322 July 2023
The second episode of "The Vietnam War", the landmark documentary series by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick, delivers a compelling narrative that delves into the complex and controversial history of the Vietnam War. The episode covers the years 1961 to 1963, a crucial phase that saw the U. S. deepen its involvement in Vietnam.
The episode excels in its use of archival footage, personal interviews, and narration, which are hallmarks of a Burns and Novick production. The filmmakers skillfully employ these elements to not only educate viewers about historical facts, but also to give them a nuanced understanding of the diverse perspectives and interests involved.
The stories of individuals are told through firsthand accounts, and the human toll of the war is powerfully conveyed through their moving stories. The directors maintain a balanced perspective by featuring voices from both sides of the conflict, allowing viewers to comprehend the wider political and social context.
The episode also sheds light on how U. S. policy decisions, made by the Kennedy administration during this period, paved the way for a full-scale war. The episode reveals how escalating commitments, made by the Kennedy administration during this period, paved the way for a full-scale war.
"Riding the Tiger (1961-1963)" depicts the growing conflict with striking clarity. The use of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross's haunting score, along with carefully selected historical songs, amplifies the emotional depth of the narrative.
However, the episode might be challenging for viewers who lack prior knowledge of the era or a strong interest in history, as it contains dense information and complex subject matter.
In summary, "Riding the Tiger (1961-1963)" is a brilliant piece of storytelling that showcases the intricate web of events leading to one of the most divisive wars of the 20th century. It is both a historical document and a powerful exploration of the human experiences within the Vietnam War. This episode, like the entire series, is an indispensable watch for anyone seeking to understand this complex period in world history.
The episode excels in its use of archival footage, personal interviews, and narration, which are hallmarks of a Burns and Novick production. The filmmakers skillfully employ these elements to not only educate viewers about historical facts, but also to give them a nuanced understanding of the diverse perspectives and interests involved.
The stories of individuals are told through firsthand accounts, and the human toll of the war is powerfully conveyed through their moving stories. The directors maintain a balanced perspective by featuring voices from both sides of the conflict, allowing viewers to comprehend the wider political and social context.
The episode also sheds light on how U. S. policy decisions, made by the Kennedy administration during this period, paved the way for a full-scale war. The episode reveals how escalating commitments, made by the Kennedy administration during this period, paved the way for a full-scale war.
"Riding the Tiger (1961-1963)" depicts the growing conflict with striking clarity. The use of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross's haunting score, along with carefully selected historical songs, amplifies the emotional depth of the narrative.
However, the episode might be challenging for viewers who lack prior knowledge of the era or a strong interest in history, as it contains dense information and complex subject matter.
In summary, "Riding the Tiger (1961-1963)" is a brilliant piece of storytelling that showcases the intricate web of events leading to one of the most divisive wars of the 20th century. It is both a historical document and a powerful exploration of the human experiences within the Vietnam War. This episode, like the entire series, is an indispensable watch for anyone seeking to understand this complex period in world history.
Riding the Tiger
Prismark103 October 2017
The second episode concentrates on the JFK era and his advisers trying to get to grips of the mess in Vietnam and the program highlights just what a sticky situation they found themselves in.
When you hear the Americans involved at the time in this documentary you get the sense they knew the situation was bad and getting worse.
The US backed South Vietnam and the autocratic regime of Dien and his younger brother Nhu. Dien had little time for the western view of liberal democracy and worse his policies favoured the Catholics in this vastly Buddhist country.
In contrast Ho Chi Minh visibly looking older with his long grey beard defined himself as the nation's favourite uncle, visiting villagers and talking them in simple terms. Ho Chi Minh engaged the North Vietnamese to fight for their future even if took 20 years or more.
However I cannot get over that uneasy feeling that Uncle Ho Chi Minh was an image that might have been inspired by another communist leader, Uncle Joe Stalin, the benevolent dictator who was far from that.
In Saigon the Buddhist demonstrations impacted the world stage with images of Buddhist monks setting themselves alight shocking television around the world.
In a further series of errors the JFK green lit Dien's removal from power but JFK would not live to see the consequences of that decision.
When you hear the Americans involved at the time in this documentary you get the sense they knew the situation was bad and getting worse.
The US backed South Vietnam and the autocratic regime of Dien and his younger brother Nhu. Dien had little time for the western view of liberal democracy and worse his policies favoured the Catholics in this vastly Buddhist country.
In contrast Ho Chi Minh visibly looking older with his long grey beard defined himself as the nation's favourite uncle, visiting villagers and talking them in simple terms. Ho Chi Minh engaged the North Vietnamese to fight for their future even if took 20 years or more.
However I cannot get over that uneasy feeling that Uncle Ho Chi Minh was an image that might have been inspired by another communist leader, Uncle Joe Stalin, the benevolent dictator who was far from that.
In Saigon the Buddhist demonstrations impacted the world stage with images of Buddhist monks setting themselves alight shocking television around the world.
In a further series of errors the JFK green lit Dien's removal from power but JFK would not live to see the consequences of that decision.
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