In part II of our video series for travellers interested in exploring the impact of America in Vietnam since World War II, America in Vietnam - a travel guide, we look at the end of French colonial rule in 1954. The Geneva Accords partitioned Vietnam at the 17th parallel north of Hue created a new, US aligned state - South Vietnam.
The United States was already well-invested in Vietnam’s future, providing weapons and support to the final years of the French campaign.
Our video series coincides with a year of big Vietnam anniversaries - the two most important being Ho Chi Minh’s September 1945 Declaration of Independence in Hanoi’s Ba Dinh Square and the end of America’s catastrophic war in April 1975.
We have always been fascinated with visits to historic site - in Vietnam, Cambodia and everywhere else. Whether they be grand structures, or places where major events took place and nothing remains - they all have a draw.
For those with an interest in America’s disastrous intervention in Vietnam, there are many evocative places to visit. Often these places are located in or close by cities and towns that are already on travel itineraries. We hope these videos add depth to visits to these places.
In Vietnam’s modern history - Hue is at the centre of everything.
Hue is bursting with history and character
Quoc Hoc - the elite French school that produced Vietnam's most fervent nationalist fighters.
One of the many discoveries of our deep dive into Vietnamese history is that the old capital Hue has been an outsize player in everything in Vietnam’s modern history.
The Nguyen Dynasty ruled from the former capital between 1802 and 1945. In the 30 years of war that followed, Hue remained central. Ngo Dinh Diem, raised in and schooled in Hue, was to be central. His siblings, Ngo Dinh Nhu, Archbishop Ngo Dinh Thuc and Ngo Dinh Can were also deeply embedded in the life of the former capital. All would be major players in Ngo Dinh Diem’s government - only Ngo Dinh Thuc would survive the tumult. Thuc ended his days in exile.
In the Part III of the series we’ll look at what became known as the Buddhist Crisis and the coup that removed Ngo Dinh Diem and
If you enjoy these videos, you might also enjoy travelling with us - in Ho Chi Minh City or on our 16 day Vietnam by the Book tour.
Vietnam by the Book is a tour of Vietnam history, culture, cuisine and stunning places built around three books. You can check it out here.
If you like what we do and you’d like to make a contribution to keep us on the road, you can do that here -
https://buy.stripe.com/bJefZgeEh9Ap3xZ3P9c3m1N
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