Early Hope

Episode Four covers the formation of South Vietnam. Over 1,000,000 people emigrate to the south and only 100,000 emigrate north. Ngo dinh Diem becomes the first elected president of South Vietnam but rules like a dictator. President Eisenhower calls Vietnam a "Bulwark" against communism in Asia. 1959 The north decides to retake the south by military force, and a guerrilla war is launched. Corruption spreads in the south, the government becomes oppressive. By 1963 there are 16,000 "Advisors" leading the S Vietnamese army with more on the way. By the end of 1964 there are 23,000 "Advisors" in Vietnam. It is clear that the American involvement is widening.