The Sect Crisis of 1955 and the American Commitment to Ngô Đình Diệm

2010/01/01 by Jessica M. Chapman · 1 citation
Social Sciences · Arts and Humanities · #Vietnamese History and Culture Studies #Historical Studies and Socio-cultural Analysis #Sect #Prime minister #Vietnamese #State (computer science) #Political science #Politics #Government (linguistics) #State of emergency #Law #Economic history #History #Philosophy

paper · doi:10.1525/vs.2010.5.1.37

openalex publication_date 2010/01/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/05/21

Abstract

The sect crisis represented a critical turning point in South Vietnam. This article examines the spring 1955 clash between Prime Minister Ngô Đình Diệm and his challengers among the Hóa Hảo, Cao Đàai, and Bính Xuyên politico-religious sects in light of French and American involvement. Overlapping domestic and international dynamics combined to produce several results: Ngô Đình Diệm defeated the sect coalition, Washington pledged unconditional support for the prime minister, French clout in South Vietnam diminished, and the Sài Gòn government renewed its commitment to eradicate the influence of Chief of State Bảo Đại and remaining sect rebels over South Vietnamese politics.

Cited by

• Hòa Hảo [wikipedia]

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