The conflict in South Vietnam in the 1950s and early ‘60s was the result of a series of political, economic and social factors, all centering around the difficulties of the Diem regime.
Perhaps the biggest problem faced by the government of Ngo Dinh Diem was its lack of political legitimacy. The regime was seen by many as a puppet of the United States, depending as it did on US advice, money and armaments. By contrast, Ho Chi Minh’s government enjoyed widespread popularity, including among many in the south. These people believed that the nation would be unified following nation-wide elections in 1956.
The problems Diem faced were exacerbated by his own background