ĐẤU TRANH CHÍNH TRỊ ở QUẢNG NAM đà NĂNG TRONG KHÁNG CHIẾN CHỐNG mỹ từ năm 1954 đến 1965 tt tiếng anh

HUE UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION

TU ANH NGUYET

POLITICAL STRUGGLE IN QUANG NAM
AND DA NANG IN THE RESISTANCE WAR
AGAINST AMERICA FROM 1954 TO 1965

Major: Vietnamese History
Code: 62 22 03 13

ABSTRACT OF HISTORICAL DOCTORAL THESIS

HUẾ, NĂM 2019


The work is completed at:
Faculty of History, University of Education, Hue University

Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Dr Le Cung

Review 1:
Review 2:
Review 3:

The thesis will be presented at Hue University Thesis Council at
At ........ hour ........ ........ month ........ year .......
The thesis can be found at the Library of University of Education, Hue
University

INTRODUCTION
1. Reason for choosing the topic
An important factor in the victory of the resistance war against
America for national liberation (1954-1975) is the right combination of
building political forces with military forces, political struggle with
military struggle. In the resistance war against America for national
liberation (1954-1975), the political struggle plays an important role in the
cause of liberation of the South and the reunification of the country.
Political struggle in the Southern revolution from 1954 to 1975
has the participation of many people such as workers, farmers,
students, pupils, intellectuals, followers of religions and small
businesses. , national bourgeois, ... taking place in many different
forms such as rallies, demonstrations, hunger strikes, strikes, selfimmolation, ... with legal, half-legal and non- legal properties,
against new colonial policies of America and the Saigon government.
On the basis of bringing into full play the strength of the great
unity of the nation, the political struggle has formed strong political
armies as the core force in the struggle for people, land preservation
and rebellion to regain the mastery; support effectively for military
struggle and become a prop for the consumed armed forces and destroy
the life force of the enemy. The political struggle has made it difficult
for the American empire and the Saigon government to impose new
colonialism and to implement war strategies in the South. Due to the
influence of natural and socio-economic conditions of each locality in
the South, the political struggle is plentiful and diverse with different
forms and levels. The political struggle in Quang Nam - Da Nang is
also one such case.
Da Nang is the second largest city in the South, the political and
military center of strategic Region 1 including the provinces: Quang
Tri, Thua Thien, Quang Nam and Quang Ngai. America and the

Saigon government attempted to build QN - DN into a marine,
continental, air force complex, with the ambition of the strong
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military force both on land, on the sea and in the air. America and the
Saigon government will prevent the important revolutionary
defensive line force on the southern battlefield, gain an important
area for long-term separation in the North and South.
As all over the South, at the battlefield of QN - DN, the main
motto of struggle is: combining political struggle with armed struggle,
attacking the enemy in all 3 strategic areas with 3-pronged attacks.
With the policy of "Workers - farmers - soldiers – intellectuals"
combination, the political struggle in QN - DN took place quite
enthusiastically and contributed significantly to the victory of the
Southern revolution in general and QN - DN in particular.
However, the political struggle in QN - DN during the resistance
war against America for national liberation has not been studied
systematicly and completedly, the published research works are not
much. Therefore, the research of the political struggle movement in
QN - DN in the resistance war against America for National
Liberation in general, from 1954 to 1965 in particular is a work of
deep scientific and practical significance.
In terms of the scientific significance, the research of the political
struggle in QN - DN from 1954 to 1965 helps us to understand the
policies of America and the Saigon government in QN - DN, more
broadly for the entire the South to draw the cause of the political struggle
movement in QN-DN; understand the developments, properties,
characteristics and meaning of the movement; and more fully understand
a historical period of the resistance war against America for national

liberation of the QN – DN people. Researching the political struggle in
QN - DN from 1954 to 1965 helps us clearly see the Party's proper
leadership as well as the creation of the QN-DN people in the resistance
war against America for national liberation. In addition, reseaching the
movement also helps us realize the importance of Southern political
struggle in general, the political struggle in QN - DN in particular.
In terms of practical significance, the research of political struggle
in QN-DN from 1954 to 1965 contributes to enriching and perfecting
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the history of QN - DN in the resistance war against America for
national liberation (1954-1975). The thesis provides materials to help
teachers apply in the local history lectures in QN - DN to educate
patriotism, revolutionary traditions, national pride and homeland for
generations of QN - DN, thereby drawing some historical experiences
in promoting human factors, building political forces to serve the
process of promoting industrialization and modernization of the
country in the new era.
With the above-mentioned meanings, we choose the topic
"Political struggle in Quang Nam - Da Nang in the resistance war
against America from 1954 to 1965" as the topic of doctoral thesis
specialized in Vietnamese History.
2. Subject and scope of the research
* Research subject
The thesis studies on the political struggle in QN - DN in the
resistance war against America from 1954 to 1965, including the
struggle movement of workers, farmers, pupils, students, followers of
religions, ethnic minorities, ... and a part of officials, officers and
soldiers in the army of the Saigon government …

* Research scope
+Space: The thesis studies on the political struggle in QN - DN
in all three regions: mountainous, rural and urban areas.
The administrative boundaries of Quang Nam and Da Nang have
changed many times: from 1952 to 1962, Quang Nam province and
Da Nang city was an administrative unit of Quang Nam - Da Nang,
from the end of 1962, according to the revolutionary government,
Quang Nam - Da Nang was separated into two provinces of Quang
Nam (the enemy called Quang Tin) and Quang Da (the enemy called
Quang Nam). Therefore, in the thesis, we consistently use the
political struggle in QN – DN.
+ Time: The limit of the thesis from 1954 to 1965, particularly
from the signing of the Geneva Agreement (July 21, 1954) to before
March 8, 1965 when America began to implement the strategy
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"Local War". However, in the process of implementing the thesis, to
clarify the content, we can mention, extend the time forward or after
the above delimiting time.
3. Purposes and tasks of the research
* Research purposes
On the basis of inheriting the previous works, the thesis collects
and synthesizes from the existing data sources to recreate the political
struggle in QN - DN from 1954 to 1965, thereby adding historical
research results of the resistance war against America, for national
liberation in the area; simultaneously, providing scientific arguments,
contributing to improving the quality of politics, ideology and people
mobilization, promoting the strength of the people, building a great
unity of the people, especially traditional education in the current

period.
* Research tasks
In order to achieve the above research purpose, the author
focuses on solving the following basic tasks:
- Analyzing the strategic position, generalizing the population
and socio-economic conditions, the patriotic and revolutionary
traditions of the people of QN - ĐN - factors affecting the political
struggle.
- Clarifying the leadership and direction of the Party for political
struggle in QN - DN from 1954 to 1965.
- Objectively and honestly reappear the political struggle in QN
- DN from 1954 to 1965.
- Analyzing and interpreting the characteristics and role of
political struggle in QN - DN in the resistance war against America;
draw lessons from experience of struggle to be able to inherit and
apply in building security and defense posture in this area.
4. Source of materials and research methodology
* Source of materials
Published sources of materials: Including documents of the Party,
State, works of Ho Chi Minh President, of the leaders of the Party and
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State of Vietnam; published domestic and foreign research works and
articles published in newspapers, magazines, ... related to the Vietnam
War in general, about the resistance war against America for national
liberation of QN – DN people in particular. This source of materials is
very rich and diverse, providing materials on many different aspects of
the political struggle as the Party's policy, the political struggle activities
of the Southern people including the people of QN - DN

Central and local archives
In QN - ĐN, there are reports, summaries, resolutions,
dispatches, directives, ... of Party committees, authorities,
revolutionary organizations in the Provincial Archive Center,
Provincial Propaganda and training commission, Military Command.
In addition, the thesis also explores materials at the Center of Archive
of Military Command Region V, the Information and Documentation
Department of the Vietnam Military History Institute and Department
of Party Central Office archives. In particular, the National Archives
Center II in Ho Chi Minh City and the National Archives Center IV
include reports, statements, public documents, official documents, ....
Archives is an important, basic source of data for the author to
deploy and implement the thesis.
* Research methodology
In the course of the study, we use the method of history and
logic method mainly. In addition, we also use a number of methods
such as analysis, synthesis, comparison and interdisciplinary
(fieldwork, statistics, observation, interviews) to solve specific
problems of thesis.
5. Contributions of the thesis
The thesis has the following contributions:
Firstly, the thesis analyzes and clarifies the dominant policies
and tricks of America and the Saigon government in QN - DN,
thereby making clear the cause of the political struggle movement of
the QN – DN people.
Secondly, reappearing the overall picture of the political struggle
5


in QN - DN from 1954 to 1965.

Thirdly, contributing to affirming the great role of political
struggle as one of the two basic forms of struggle of the Vietnamese
revolution. Drawing some experiences on building political bases and
people mobilization, serving as a basis for reference and application
in the process of planning and implementing the Party's and State's
undertakings and policies for QN - DN today.
Fourthly, contributing to providing more materials and some
clarification points of QN - DN history in the resistance war against
America; clarifying some experience lessons to apply to the cause of
national renewal; educating local history, providing materials for
teachers at all levels; educating patriotism and pride of local people
so that they can participate in building the country today.
6. Thesis Layout
In addition to the introduction (5 pages), conclusions (4 pages),
references (20 pages) and appendix (42 pages), the thesis content
(150 pages) is composed of 4 chapters:
Chapter 1. Research overview (19 pages)
Chapter 2. Political struggle in Quang Nam - Da Nang in the
resistance war against America from 1954 to 1960 (55 pages)
Chapter 3. Political struggle in Quang Nam - Da Nang in the
resistance war against America from 1961 to 1965 (44 pages)
Chapter 4. Nature, characteristics and historical significance
(33 pages)

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Chapter 1
RESEARCH OVERVIEW
1.1. Research situation related to the thesis

1.1.1. The working group studies the resistance war against
America for national liberation (1954-1975), including the political
struggle in the South
The research of political struggle in the South in the resistance war
against America (1954-1975) has typical projects such as: Ho Chi Minh
National Political Academy, Party History Department (1993),
Vietnamese Communist Party History (2 episodes), National Political
Publishing House, Hanoi; Steering Committee summarized the war
under the Politburo (1995), Summarizing the resistance war against
America - Victory and lessons, National Political Publishing House,
Hanoi; Steering Committee summarized the war under the Politburo
(2000), Vietnam Revolutionary War (1945-1975) - Victory and lessons,
National Political Publishing House, Hanoi; Editorial Council of South
Central history of resistance (1995), South Central resistance, National
Political Publishing House, Hanoi; Standing Party Committee - Military
Command Region V (1999), Summary of political mobilization in
soldiers of Region V battlefield in the resistance war against America for
national liberation 1954-1975, People's Army Publishing House, Hanoi;
Tran Van Giau (2006), Editor, People's Army Publishing House, Hanoi;
Le Cung (2008), Southern Vietnam Buddhist Movement in 1963, 4th
printing, Thuan Hoa Publishing House, Hue; Sharing in a flag (2010),
National Political Publishing House, Hanoi; Editorial Council of
Southern History of Resistance (2011), The main issues in the Southern
History of Resistance (1945-1975), National Political Publishing House Truth, Hanoi; Ministry of Defense - Vietnam Military History Institute
(2013), History of the resistance war against America for national
liberation (1954-1975) consists of 9 episodes, National Political
Publishing House, Hanoi; Le Cung (editor), (2014), Southern Vietnam
Buddhist Movement (1964-1968), Thuan Hoa Publishing House; Le
Cung (editor), (2015), The Southern urban movement in the resistance
war against America (1954-1975), Ho Chi Minh City General

Publishing House; Le Duan (2015), Letter to the South, Ho Chi Minh
City General Publishing House;
The research of political struggle in the South in the resistance war
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against America (1954-1975) is also reflected in a number of doctoral
thesis, articles published in magazines and conference proceedings such
as: Vu Thi Thuy Hien (2000), Southern women participate in the
political struggle against the "Special War" strategy of the American
Empire (1961-1965), Party History Journal, No. 7; Phi Van Thuc (2006),
The Party leads the political struggle in some big cities in the South from
1961 to 1968", the Doctoral Thesis, Ho Chi Minh National Political
Academy, Hanoi; Trinh Thi Hong Hanh (2010), "The political struggle
in the resistance war against America for national liberation (19541975)", Party History Journal, No. 6; Tran Thi Lan (2014), The political
struggle in the Central Highlands in the resistance war against America
from 1961 to 1968, Doctoral Thesis, University of Education, Hue
University; Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen (2016), Worker movement in the
southern cities of Vietnam in the resistance war against America from
1954 to 1965, Doctoral Thesis, University of Education, Hue University.
In general, although the above mentioned works are presented in
the form of summary, history, thesis papers or scientific articles at
different levels and aspects, they have clarified many issues related to
reasoning. and the practice of political struggle in the South, especially
in the cities during the resistance war against America for national
liberation (1954-1975).
In addition to the domestic works, there were number of works
of both Vietnamese and foreigners researching the Vietnam War or
the political memoirs of those involved in Saigon regime before
1975. At different levels, these works also mention to the content of

topics such as: Avro Manhattan (1984), "Viet Nam why did we go?",
Chick publications, CA; Gabrien Kolko (1991), Anatomy of a war,
People's Army Publishing House, Hanoi; Robert McNamara (1995),
Retrospective - Tragedy and lessons about Vietnam, National
Political Publishing House, Hanoi; Neil Seehan (2003), Flashy
Deception, People's Public Security Publishing House, Hanoi. These
works show the role of political struggle in the resistance war against
America for national liberation, the political struggle is considered as
an important reason to explain America's defeat in South Vietnam. In
addition, related to the political struggle movement in the South
during the war against the US there were also works such as: Jerrold
Schecter (1967), The New Face of Buddha, John Weatherhill, Tokyo;
Dr Robert Topmiller (2005), Immaculate Lotus, translated by Minh
8


Thien Trinh Chinh, published in 2005. These works have studied the
Buddhist movement in the South of Vietnam, focusing especially on
the period 1963-1966.
Although there are differences in stance, opinion and
methodology, these works have objective views about the political
struggle of Vietnamese people in the resistance war against America
for national liberation (1954-1975). So, with a wealth of materials,
along with judgments and assessments related to political struggle,
the author can reinforce his arguments.
1.1.2. The working group studies the political struggle in Quang
Nam - Da Nang in the resistance war against America from 1954 to
1965
The research of the political struggle in QN - DN in the resistance
war against America from 1954 to 1965 has some works such as Tue Giac

(1964), Vietnam Buddhist struggle history, Hoa Nghiem Publishing
House, Saigon; Provincial Standing Committee and Military Command of
Quang Nam - Da Nang (1988), Quang Nam - Da Nang 30 years of
fighting and victory, Episode II, People's Army Publishing House, Hanoi;
Military Command Region V (1989), "Region 5 - 30 years of liberation
war", Episode II " The resistance war against America for national
liberation (period 1954-1968)", People's Army Publishing House, Hanoi ;
Executive Committee of Quang Nam - Da Nang Women's Union (1995),
History of Quang Nam - Da Nang women's movement (1954-1975),
Quang Nam - Da Nang financial printing enterprise; Party Executive
Committee of Hoi An Town (1996), History of Hoi An Town Party
Committee (1930-1975), Da Nang Publishing House; Quang Nam - Da
Nang Confederation of Labour (1996), "History of revolutionary struggle
movement of workers and trade union activities of Quang Nam - Da Nang
1954-1975", Da Nang Publishing House; Military Command of Quang
Nam Province (2001), History of Quang Nam People's Armed Forces,
Episode II, The resistance war against America for national liberation
1954-1975, People's Army Publishing House, Hanoi; Quang Nam
Provincial Party Committee - Da Nang Municipal Party Committee
(2006), Quang Nam - Da Nang Party Committee History (1930-1975),
National Political Publishing House, Hanoi; Vietnam Farmers Association
of Da Nang City (2010), History of farmers 'movement and Farmers'
Association of Da Nang City (1930-2003), Da Nang Publishing House;
Quang Nam Provincial Party Committee (2010), Quang Nam 45 years for
9


national liberation cause, Thong Tan Publishing House, Hanoi;
In addition to the above works, the political struggle in QN - DN
from 1954 to 1965 is also studied in some of the following essays,

articles and scientific proceedings: Provincial Party Committee,
People's Council, People's Committee, Vietnam Fatherland Front
Committee of Quang Nam Province (2003), "Quang Nam hero of Ho
Chi Minh era", Proceedings of Scientific Workshop; Tran Thi Hang
(2009), Urban Movement in Quang Nam - Da Nang in the resistance
war against America for the period of 1961-1965, the master thesis,
Hue University of Education; Proceedings of Scientific Conference
"Looking back on the patriotic struggle movement of youth, pupils,
students, intellectuals and artists in the cities of South Vietnam in the
period 1954-1975" held by Duy University Tan on 19 and 20-5-2012,
in Danang; ...
Stemming from the objectives and scope of the research, the
above works mainly present political movements directly led by the
Party; some outstanding political struggle events; referring to the
political struggle of individual forces or exploring only each specific
issues without going into a thorough study of political struggles in
QN - DN in the resistance war against America from 1954 to 1965.
Overall, the research works related to the thesis have solved the
following basic contents:
Firstly, clarifying theoretical issues related to political struggle such
as views, organizations, forces, forms of struggle, relationships with
military struggles, ... This is a important basis for the author to recognize
the research issuse fully and comprehensively of the political struggle in
Quang Nam and Da Nang in the resistance war against America for
national liberation (1954-1975).
Secondly, the above works have studied deeply developments,
properties, characteristics and experience lessons about the political
struggle in big cities such as Sai Gon, Da Lat, Hue and some other
specific areas such as Quang Tri, Nha Trang, Tay Nguyen. As a
result, the author of the thesis has references and places the political

struggles in QN - DN in comparison with the political struggle in
other areas as well as a more comprehensive view of political
struggle in the South.
Thirdly, presenting some issues related to natural conditions,
socio-economic, patriotic and revolutionary traditions, besides,
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generalizing America policies and Sai Gon government in QN - DN .
This source of material is the basis for the author to draw the
characteristics and meaning of political struggle in QN - DN in the
resistance war against America for national liberation
Fourthly, generalizing some prominent political struggles of the
QN – DN people against America and Saigon goverment from 1954
to 1965 as struggling for the implementation of the Geneva
Agreement in 1954-1956, struggling for civil democracy, struggling
for the liberation of the mountains (1959-1960), the Buddhist
movement in 1963, and starting the rural and delta liberation in the
years 1964-1965; At the same time, there are initial assessments and
judgments about those struggles. Although the materials on America
and the Saigon government have not been exploited much, the author
inherited to supplement and reinforce the own judgment of the thesis.
1.2. The thesis continues to solve the issuses
On the basis of inheriting the results of the relevant research
works, to comprehensively solve the issue of political struggle in QN
- DN in the resistance war against America from 1954 to 1965, The
thesis focuses on clarifying the following contents:
Firstly, clarifying the factors affecting the political struggle in QN DN in the resistance war against America from 1954 to 1965 as natural,
economic - social conditions; the patriotic and revolutionary tradition of
the people of QN - DN before 1954; especially the new colonial nature

of policies, measures of political - military, economic - social, cultural educational implemented by America and Saigon goverment in QN DN, from that, clarifying the main cause of the political struggle in QN DN from 1954 to 1965.
Secondly, clarifying the guidelines and policies on the political
struggle of the Party Central Committee, Union Region V, especially
the local Party Committee in the resistance war against America from
1954 to 1965. The analysis and clarification of the Party's guidelines
and policies must closely follow the enemy's plots and actions, and
simultaneously compare with the results of the political struggle to
see the acumen of directing the Party's political struggle
Thirdly, reappearing the political struggles in QN - DN from
1954 to 1965. The reenactment of the developments of the political
struggle is based on a variety of source of material, especially
archives of the revolutionary and Sai Gon government to ensure
11


objectivity and comprehensiveness.
Fourthly, clarifying the properties, characteristics and historical
significance of the political struggle in QN - ĐN in the resistance war
against America from 1954 to 1965. The properties, characteristics
and historical significance including experience lessons proved by
historical materials from the political struggle movement of the local
people, thereby serving as a basis for application in construction,
strengthening the security - defense in QN – DN today.
Chapter 2
POLITICAL STRUGGLE IN QUANG NAM – DA NANG IN
THE RESISTANCE WAR AGAINST AMERICA FROM 1954
TO 1960
2.1. Overview of natural, economic and social conditions,
patriotic and revolutionary traditions of Quang Nam – Da Nang
people.

2.1.1. Natural condition
Natural condition of QN - DN has two-sided impact on the
political struggle: On the one hand, the terrain of QN - DN mountain
and forest accounts for 56% of the natural area, so it is very convenient
for guerrilla war, building revolutionary base; there is Ho Chi Minh
road going through the western region of QN - DN, so it is also
convenient for receiving the food sources and human resources of the
great northern rear; densely populated urban areas are favorable for the
organization of political struggle forces. On the other hand, the small
urban area is almost surrounded by mountains and sea; The rural plain
is close to the highway, and it is divided, so the opponent is easy to
control, prevent and isolate the struggles.
2.1.2. Socio-economic condition
QN - DN has quite specific conditions about economic life,
population, religion, workers, students, etc. These conditions impact in
different directions, at different levels for political struggle in QN - DN
in the resistance war against America from 1954 to 1965.
2.1.3. Patriotic and revolutionary traditions of Quang Nam – Da
Nang people since the French invaded until July 21, 1954
During the period from the time France starting to invade our
country in Da Nang (September 1, 1858) to the Geneva Agreement
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(1954), the people of QN - DN together with the people of the whole
country organized the struggles to keep the country. These patriotic
and revolutionary traditions has built up the spirit of resilient struggle
to help the people of QN - DN overcome all difficulties and
challenges, to contribute to the people of the South as well as the
people of the whole country in the cause of the South liberation and

reunification the country (1954-1975).
2.2. Policies of America and Sai Gon goverment in Quang Nam –
Da Nang from 1954 to 1960
2.2.1. Political - military
From 1954 to 1960, the big political policies of the Sai Gon
governmnet applied to the South have been deployed in the area of
QN - DN such as undermining the Genève Agreement, "Communist
accusation", the "animal dropping movement". Meanwhile, in terms
of military, after basically understanding the plains and urban areas,
since 1960, Sai Gon goverment has stepped up military activities
aimed at revolutionary bases in mountainous areas.
2.2.2. Socio-economic
In terms of economy, Ngo Dinh Diem government implemented
a number of prominent policies such as land reform, establishment of
"mansion areas" and "secretive areas".
In terms of society, after the Geneva Agreement (July 21, 1954),
America and Sai Gon government by various measures coerced and
seduced northern people, mainly Christians who migrated to the
South. QN - DN is one of the provinces in the Central region that
receives the most migrants from the North.
2.2.3. Culture- education
In terms of culture, like many other localities in the South, in
QN - ĐN, the Saigon government enforced a clear religious
discrimination policy. In terms of education, comparing to other
provinces in the Central region, QN - DN in the years 1954-1960 was
quite developed. However, educational institutions are strictly
controlled by the Saigon government with various measures to
prevent students from participating in the struggles.
2.3. Policy of Party on the political struggle in Quang Nam - Da
Nang from 1954 to 1960

2.3.1. Policy of the Party Central Committee
In the period of 1954-1960, the Party Central Committee has
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been on the basis of closely following the policies and measures of
Sai Gon government to propose appropriate guidelines and timely
lead the people to struggle politically. That is the policy of enforcing
the Geneva Agreement; against "Communist accusation"; struggling
for civil and democracy rights; liberating the mountain;...
2.3.2. Policy of Interregional V
Acquiring the policy of the Party Central Committee ,
Interregional V step by step sets out guidelines to direct Party
organizations and people to enter the new struggle period.
2.3.3. Policy of local Party Committee
The policy of directing the enforcement of the Geneva
Agreement, against "Communist accusation” struggling for civil and
democracy rights; liberating the mountain;...of the Party Central
Committee and the Inter-Regional V, specified by the Provincial
Party Committee of QN - DN in the process of leading local people
to participate in the political struggle.
2.4. Content of the political struggle in Quang nam – Da Nang
from 1954 to 1960
2.4.1. Struggling for demanding America and Ngo Dinh Diem
government to enforce the Geneve Agreement (July 21, 1954)
After the Geneva Agreement (July 21, 1954) in QN – DN, the
political struggle movement for demand Sai Gon bgovernment to
enforce the agreement was raised. The movement was expressed in
many different forms, such as rallies, breaking into the camp of
struggle; demonstrations against revenge on resistance officers;

strikes, spreading leaflets, taking the signature agreeing to negotiate
the general election to the International Commission for the control
of the armistice...
2.4.2. Struggling against America and Ngo Dinh Diem government
organizing “referendum” (October 23, 1955) and National
Assembly election (March 4, 1956)
Implementing the policy of the Central Government, Party
organizations in QN - DN promptly propagated the secret among the
people about the conspiracy of Ngo Dinh Diem government, proposed
specific and appropriate forms of struggling against "referendum" and
National Assembly election (March 4, 1956) organized by America and
Ngo Dinh Diem organization. Although it did not prevent the National
Assembly election of Ngo Dinh Diem government, the struggle
14


movement against national assembly election along with struggle
movement against the "referendum" in QN - DN showed the fraud, fake
democracy face of the Saigon government before public opinion,
reinforced people's belief in the leadership of the Party.
2.4.3. Struggling against “Communist accusation”
QN - DN is one of the key areas to implement the "Communist
accusation" of Ngo Dinh Diem government. From the beginning of
1955, along with the construction and consolidation of the government
apparatus at all levels, America and Ngo Dinh Diem goverment started
the "Communist accusation" campaigns and carried out continuously in
the following years. However, in QN - DN, the political struggle was
still ongoing with flexible forms. Typically, it was the "reverse
accusation" form in Dien Ban and Dai Loc; spreading leaflets, hanging
banners; struggling in Hoi An prison, …

2.4.4. Struggling for civil and democratic rights
People of QN - DN continuously raised movements for civil and
democracy rights. This movement has attracted a lot of people from
urban to rural areas.
2.4.5. Political struggle in the mountains
In the years 1959-1960, to fight against the policy of
concentrating people, ethnic minorities in the mountainous areas of
QN - DN boycotted the "swearing" ceremonies and political
activities held by the Saigon government; organizing the "seasonal
enemy" not to allow Sai Gon goverment to enter the village.
Moreover, with the support of the armed forces, the people have
revolted to destroy a series of concentrated areas of Saigon
government like the struggle of fellow citizens of Paduong and
Thanh My (Ben Giang). The highlight is the revolt of Mr. Tia village,
Phuoc Son district on March 13, 1960.
Chapter 3
POLITICAL STRUGGLE IN QUANG NAM – DA NANG IN
THE RESISTANCE WAR AGAINST AMERICA FROM 1961
TO 1965
3.1. Policy of America and Sai Gon government in Quang Nam –
Da Nang from 1961 to 1965
3.1.1. Political - military
Supported by America, the Saigon government urgently conducted
15


to pacify, isolate people into strategic hamlets, using the method of
"slapping fishing water". Together with the strategic hamlets, the 13/61
Act issued an "state of emergency", requesting officials at all levels,
along with youths to study and understand "obligations of national

officials in an emergency", about "duties of youths in an emergency, ...
","status and career of Ngo President ". Based on these laws, the Ngo
Dinh Diem government promoted "Communist accusation campaigns",
conducted persecution, purged opposing people or for anyone who
disagreed.
3.1.2. Socio-economic
From the end of 1960, the socio-economic situation in QN - ĐN,
especially in urban areas, first of all Da Nang had profound changes.
In terms of society, with the policies of repression, terrorism,
restraint of America and Sai Gon government, it made every activity,
the life of people very difficult. In addition, the Sai gon goverment
found many measures to prevent all activities of non-Catholicism
religions, especially Buddhism.
3.1.3. Culture - education
In terms of culture - education, QN - DN in the years 1961-1965
had many changes. In terms of education, the Sai Gon government
had given priority to institutions of private schools, the system of
Catholic private schools in the South under Ngo Dinh Diem
government developed very fast. Public schools did not have any
significant improvement policies, local authorities clearly saw
weaknesses, but not intervene, because if anyone differently did it, it
would be considered against Catholicism.
3.2. Policy of Party on the political struggle in Quang Nam – Da
Nang from 1961 to 1965
3.2.1. Policy of the Party Central Committee
In the period of 1961-1965, stemming from the practice of the
South, following the policies and measures of the Sai Gon
government, the Party Central Committee had proposed appropriate
policies to promptly lead the people struggle politically. That is the
policy of struggling against the "national policy" of strategic hamlet;

demanding for civil and democracy; liberating the plain rural areas,...
3.2.2. Policy of Interregional V
Abding by the policies of the Party Central Committee and the Interregional V step by step set out the policy of political struggle in the
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locality. In particular, the Inter-regional V has drawn into 9 stages in
directing the people mobilization against the strategic hamlet.
3.2.3. Policy of the local Party Committee
On the basis of the direction of the Central Party Committee and
Inter-regional V, the Party Committee of QN - DN step by step
concretized the guidelines and policies of the Party in the locality
such as struggling against the "national policy" of the strategic
hamlet, liberating the plain rural areas,...
3.3. Content of political struggle in Quang Nam – Da Nang from
1961 to 1965
3.3.1. Struggling against the strategic hamlet
In order to encourage people to fight against the "national
policy" of strategic hamlets, propaganda is directed by the Provincial
Party Committee of QN - DN through promoting meetings and
spreading leaflets. In particular, the mass movement against the
strategic hamlet in QN - ĐN was effectively implemented when
coordinating with the armed forces, typically breaking the "model" A
Dong strategic hamlet (5-1963).
3.3.2. Struggling for civil and democratic rights
Political struggle for civil and democratic rights in the years
1961-1965 in QN - DN took place under many rich and diverse
contents, forms, contributing to the general victory of the people QN
- DN, doing failure step by step conspiracy tricks of America and Sai
Gon government..

3.3.3. Claiming freedom of belief and religious equality in 1963
This was the longest and most fierce struggle movement and
attracted the most participation of people in the history of the
political struggle in QN - DN in the period 1954-1965. The struggle
movement of the QN – DN Buddhism surpassed the local limit,
making an important contribution to the movement of Southern
Buddhism in 1963.
3.3.4. Struggling against the Labor party, dictatorial governments
after the coup dated November 1, 1963
Struggling against the Labor Party basically has two forms:
First, struggling to eliminate the labor party members continuing to
participate in the Sai Gon government after November 1, 1963;
secondly, struggling for the Saigon government to handle labor party
members with many crimes against the people of QN - DN. From
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August 16, 1964, struggling against the Labor party was closely
linked with the struggling against dictatorship and military Nguyen
Khanh when he launched "Vung Tau Charter. Immediately to protest
the "Vung Tau Charter" (August 16, 1964), on August 22, 1964, "Da
Nang student struggle force" was established.
3.3.5. Political struggle in rural lowland communities late in 1964,
early in 1965
Winning the Autumn-Winter campaign of 1964, on the
battlefield of Quang Nam, Quang Da, the vast rural area of the
coastal plain of Quang Nam, Quang Da was liberated, the mountains
and a part of the Western revolutionary forces took control, the
armed forces and revolutionary people were growing. In order to
continue to promote armed struggle in combination with stronger

political struggle, to attack the Saigon army to contribute to the
bankruptcy of the "Special War" strategy of America, RegionMilitary Command Region V opened "Nguyen Van Troi campaign"
on the whole battlefield, in which Quang Nam was the key.
Chapter 4
PROPERTIES, CHARACTERISTICS AND HISTORICAL
SIGNIFICANCE
4.1. Properties
4.1.1. Ethinicity
In the political struggle in QN - DN in the period 1954-1965, the
nation was a prominent feature, which stemmed from the patriotic
spirit of the people and the legitimacy of the resistance conducted by
our people under leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
Ethnicity was expressed in determining the objectivess, subjects
of struggle and the participation of the people.
4.1.2. Democracy and people’s life
In QN - ĐN during the resistance war against America from
1954 to 1965, many struggles for democracy, especially democracy
in the field of religion and politics had become very wide
movements. Typically, they were the movements of people
organizations such as Da Nang Union of Porter Labor and Da Nang
Union of Labor, Da Nang Federation of Students, ...
Meanwhile, struggling for objectives of people's life such as
asking for increment, demanding housing, demanding freedom of
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business, trading, farming, fishing, ... achieved very specific results.
4.2. Characteristics
4.2.1. Political struggle in QN - ĐN had solidarity and mutual support
among social classes; rich and creative forms and measures

The political struggle in QN - ĐN in the period 1954-1965 had
wide popularity, gathering most social classes. More remarkably, the
social classes did not fight separately but always had solidarity and
mutual support, creating a synergy to counter the plots and tricks of
America and Saigon government.
Political struggle of people in QN - DN from 1954 to 1965 had
rich and diverse forms such as spreading leaflets, hanging slogans,
rallies, demonstrations, marches, making petitions, issuing newspapers,
burning American cars, occupying headquarters, hunger strikes, ... In
each form of struggle, there were their own creations, creating the
strength for local political struggle.
4.2.2. Political struggle in Quang Nam – Da Nang from 1954 to
1965 took place very drastically
The political struggle in QN - DN from 1954 to 1965 almost
carried out all the most drastic forms such as in Hue and Saigon,
though the number and scale were not equal. Meanwhile, if compared
to other provinces such as Phu Yen, Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan and the
Central Highlands, the political struggle in Quang Nam and Da Nang
há surpassed about the drastic.
4.2.3. QN – DN actively responded and coordinated with other
localities to struggle
In the period 1954-1965, the people of QN - DN responded to
most major political struggle movements in other cities of the South.
In addition, QN - DN also actively contacted and coordinated with
other localities. In return, the struggle of the people of QN - ĐN also
received support from other localities.
4.3. Significance of the movement
4.3.1. The movement proved the indomitable spirit of the people of
Quang Nam – Da Nang
Political struggle in QN - DN from 1954 to 1965 was vivid

demonstrations to show resilience and indomitableness; was the culmination
of the patriotic tradition of the QN – DN people in the resistance war against
America.
4.3.2. Affirming the role and important position of political struggle
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in “three-pronged attacks” in Quang Nam – Da Nang
Struggling against the enemy with "three-pronged attacks”:
Politics, military and solidier mobilization were the unique creation
of the Vietnam people's war in the resistance war against America for
national liberation (1954-1975). The role of the political struggle in
the "three-pronged attacks” in the area of QN – DN was expressed in
the following two aspects: political struggle was both sharp attack,
and effective support for armed struggle; contributing to
strengthening solidarity and attachment to mountainous ethnic
groups, creating strength, creating a position and power for the
revolution.
4.3.3. Political struggle in Quang Nam - Da Nang from 1954 to
1965 contributed to the development of Quang Nam - Da Nang
revolution in particular and the South in general
In a comparative view, if the political struggle in the Central
Highlands, Quang Tri and Khanh Hoa directly impacted the local
government of the Republic of Vietnam, disturbing the rear of the
Saigon government, contributing to making bankruptcy war effort of
America and the Sai Gon government in the area, the political
struggle in QN - DN along with Saigon - Gia Dinh, Hue – would be
the focus of the headquarters of the America empire and the Saigon
government so the political struggle should had a stronger impact on
the psychology and will of the enemy. The political struggle in these

big cities often had have a great resonance, a chain effect, spread and
entice political struggle movement in other cities across the South.
4.3.4. Contributing to enrich the experience lessons for the cause of
national liberation
4.3.4.1. Closely incorporating "three-pronged attacks” to create the
synergy to win.
This is a popular lesson of the Southern revolution in the resistance
war against America for national liberation (1954-1975), but each locality
has its own nuances. The reality of the QN - DN revolutionary movement
shows that, when and where there is a right combination between "threepronged attacks”, at that time and there the movement achieved high
efficiency.
4.3.4.2. Promoting the role of local Party organizations
The successes and limitations of the construction of
revolutionary bases from 1954 to 1965 were useful reference
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experiences for the Party Committee, government and people of QN DN in the process of implementing two tasks national construction
strategy and national defense in the province today.
4.3.4.3. Always thoroughly grasping people's thought is the source of
the power of revolution.
People force always plays an important role in the struggles.
However, to complete the revolutionary career, the people must be
educated, enlightened and organized. The political struggle in QN ĐN in the resistance war against America from 1954 to 1965
demonstrated that the success of the revolution depended heavily on
the implementation of the lesson "people are the source of the power
of revolution" in both consciousness and practice. This lesson is
affirmed by the QN – DN Provincial Party Committee that it has a
great direction value not only in the current period but also later..
CONLUSION

1. With its geographical location, favorable natural condition,
QN - DN becomes a strategic area of revolution as well as of Saigon
government. Along with natural condition, socio-economic
conditions of QN - DN also have characteristics. In addition, through
the historical process, generations of people of QN - DN have built
up a precious patriotic and revolutionary tradition, becoming a strong
spiritual motive that always accompanies the people during the
process of existence and development. These are considered factors
affecting political struggle in QN - DN in the resistance war against
America for national liberation from 1954 to 1965.
In order to step by step build QN - DN into a strong base to
support effectively the process of implementing new colonialism in the
locality in particular, the South in general, from 1954 to 1965, America
and Sai Gon government has implemented policies on military political, economy - society, culture - education. Those policies of
America and the Saigon Government through the periods on the one
hand have caused the revolutionary forces to face many difficulties in
directing and organizing the political struggle. On the other hand, this
is the main cause of the outbreak political struggles in QN - DN in the
period 1954-1965.
Implementing the direction of the Party Central Committee and
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Inter-regional V, in each stage of the resistance on the basis of local
practices, the Provincial Party Committee of QN - DN proactively
proposed policies and launched the people to participate in the political
struggle. . Overall, the policy of directing political struggle in the period
1954-1965 of the Provincial Party Committee of QN - DN closely
followed the conspiracy and actions of America and the Saigon
government; flexible in determining objectives, measures and forms of

struggle to meet the requirements of the revolution. However, there are
also unreasonable times leading to losses for the revolutionary
movement. With honest and straightforward attitude, the Provincial
Party Committee of QN - DN seriously withdraws its experience and
repairs defects to lead people to step by step to victory. It should be
noted that, not all struggles, the people movement in QN - ĐN in the
period 1954-1965 was directly led by the Party, but sometimes it is the
spontaneous reaction of the people or can be mobilized and organized by
the patriotic people, although all share the same goal agianst America
empire and the Saigon Government.
2. During the resistance war against America for national
liberation from 1954 to 1965, in terms of time and struggle movement,
the people of QN - DN participated in most typical political struggle
movements in the South outbreaking immediately after July 21, 1954
as the movement to enforce the Geneva Agreement (1954-1956), for
the general election, struggling against America and Ngo Dinh Diem's
government on organizing "referendum" (October 23, 1955) and
electing the National Assembly (March 4, 1956), to struggling against
"Communist accusation" (1955-1958), struggling for democracy,
people’s life and political struggle with armed struggle in the
mountains, the strategic anti-hamlet movement (1961-1963), the
movement for belief freedom and religious equality (1963), the
movement of rural plain liberation in the end of 1964 , early 1965 …
In terms of space, the political struggle in QN - DN from 1954 to
1965 took place in all three strategic areas. In the mountainous areas
of Giang, Hien, Phuoc Son and Tra My districts, under the leadership
of the Western delegation of officials, the District Party Committees
and ethnic minorities have used flexible forms of struggle to defeat
the plot of the Saigon government for mountainous areas. Although
the rural areas as Duy Xuyen, Tien Phuoc, Tam Ky, Dai Loc, Dien

Ban, are not really strong, the political struggle took place quite
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continuously, in which there are times of effective coordination with
military struggle as in the years of 1961-1963 during the strategic
anti-hamlet movement, from the end of 1964 to the beginning of
1965 in the plain rural areas liberation movement. Meanwhile, in the
most urban areas of Da Nang, Hoi An, Tam Ky, political struggle
took place fiercely during the period 1963-1965. Typically, it wass
the Buddhist movement in 1963 and the movement to struggle
against the Party of Labor, against dictatorial government after the
coup (November 1, 1963). Thus, it can be said that the political
struggle in QN - ĐN in the resistance war against America from 1954
to 1965 was carried out continuously and took place in three strategic
areas, despite the uneven scale and level among regions, gradually
increasing from mountainous to rural areas to urban areas. This is
entirely consistent with the policy of directing the political struggle
of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
In terms of scale, in the resistance war against America (19541975), compared to localities like Quang Tri, Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa,
the South Central pole or the Central Highlands, the political struggle
in QN - DN has the better part. In particular, there are QN - ĐN
movements only after a few political struggle centers in the South
such as the movement for freedom of belief and religious equality in
1963 after Hue and Saigon.
3. From 1954 to 1965, the new colonial policies of America and the
Saigon government applied in the South were deployed in QN - DN. That
means that the main reason for political struggle in the South is also the
main reason leading to political struggle in QN - DN and political struggle
in QN – DN is an inseparable part from political struggle in the South.

This is an important factor leading to political struggle in QN - DN and
political struggle in the South has similar characteristics and properties. In
other words, the properties and characteristics of political struggle in QN ĐN and the ones of the political struggle in the South are difficult to
separate. However, it is important that the political struggle in QN - DN
from 1954 to 1965 proved, and supplemented into the properties and
characteristics of the political struggle in the South with its own local
historical material. . That is the property: Ethnicity, people, democracy and
characteristics: political struggle in QN - DN has solidarity, mutual
support of social classes, rich and creative forms and measures; taking
place very drastically; QN - DN actively responded and coordinated with
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