Many people claim that South Vietnam was a creation of the United States due to several reasons:
1. Military Intervention: The United States became heavily involved in Vietnam during the Vietnam War (1955-1975). The U.S. provided military and financial support to the government of South Vietnam, which was seen by some as propping up a regime that would not have survived without American intervention.
2. Division of Vietnam: Following the Geneva Accords of 1954, Vietnam was temporarily divided into North and South Vietnam along the 17th parallel. The division was intended to be temporary, with elections scheduled to reunify the country. However, due to Cold War politics and concerns about the spread of communism, the United States supported the establishment of South Vietnam as a separate entity. This led to the perception that South Vietnam was created by external powers rather than evolving organically.
3. Puppet Regime: The government of South Vietnam, led by President Ngo Dinh Diem and his successors, was often seen as a puppet regime installed and supported by the United States. The U.S. government exercised significant influence over the South Vietnamese government, shaping its policies and decisions. This perception contributed to the belief that South Vietnam was a U.S. creation rather than a legitimate entity.
4. Lack of Popular Support: The government of South Vietnam faced significant challenges in gaining widespread support and legitimacy among the Vietnamese population. Corruption, repression, and political instability undermined its credibility and made it vulnerable to accusations of being a foreign-imposed regime.
It's important to note that this perspective is not universally held, and there are differing opinions on the role of the United States in the establishment and support of South Vietnam. However, the reasons mentioned above help explain why some people claim that South Vietnam was a creation of the U.S.