Foreign Intervention in Two Civil Wars

Focus of the topic §

• The focus of the topic is to evaluate the impact of foreign intervention on civil wars.
• It appears that there is a lack of evidence regarding the effect of foreign intervention.
  • While there is some evidence suggesting the presence of significant factors, it is not sufficient.
  • However, there is a lack of evidence to prove that these factors were indeed significant.
    • There is a need for explanations or evidence showing the specific effects of foreign intervention.
    • Alternatively, evidence of the opposite effect, such as the immediate occupation of North Vietnam after the US military withdrawal, could also be considered.

Background Info (Introduction) §

• Spanish Civil War
  • Spain experienced unstable conditions with power alternating between two opposing factions.
  • The conflict in Spain became a proxy war between different ideologies.
  • The clash of ideologies attracted significant international attention.
  • Various nations intervened in support of their preferred ideologies, while others chose to avoid intervention.
• Vietnam War
  • The US officially entered the war in 1964 after the Gulf of Tonkin incident.
  • Previous US presidents, such as Truman and Eisenhower, had supported the French and the South Vietnamese government under Diem, respectively.
  • It may also be worth mentioning the involvement of President Kennedy.

Body §

• Spanish Civil War

  • Nationalist support

    • Right-wing ideologies, such as those of Germany, Italy, and Portugal, supported the Nationalists.
    • The Luftwaffe provided early support, with the Condor Legion transporting troops from Spanish Morocco to mainland Spain.
    • The Luftwaffe also conducted crucial bombing operations in northern regions.
    • Italy provided significant support, including 750 aircraft, 150 tanks, and 75,000 troops.
    • The United States and Britain, as neutral states, provided limited support and allowed the use of Gibraltar.
    • As a result, the Nationalists gained substantial benefits.

  • Republican support

    • In contrast, the Republicans received limited support from the USSR (left-wing).
    • The difference in support had an impact on the outcome of the war.
    • The USSR supported communist movements and sold some weapons to the Republican government.
      • However, the support provided was much smaller compared to the Nationalists.
    • The amount of support decreased after 1938 when the Republicans were weakening.
      • For example, in 1936, they received 500 aircraft, but by 1938, they received none.
    • International Brigades from various nations, including the US and Germany, supported the Republicans.
      • However, their lack of training and limited effectiveness did not significantly help the Republicans.
    • Therefore, the difference in support played a role in the Republicans’ defeat.

  • Other factors

    • The strength of the Nationalists themselves against the Republicans may have been a more significant factor.
    • The Nationalists had strong leadership under Franco, while the Republicans lacked unified leadership.
      • The Republicans experienced internal conflicts between extreme anarchists and moderate communists during May Day.
    • The Nationalists were economically more stable than the Republicans as they controlled areas with rich food production.

• Vietnam War

  • P1: US intervention

    • Discuss why the US did not win despite its significant support.
    • Highlight the roles of Kennedy and Johnson, especially Johnson.
    • Mention the challenges faced by US forces, such as their lack of familiarity with the land and difficulties in gaining cooperation.

  • P2: Communist intervention

    • Reference https://alphahistory.com/vietnamwar/chinese-and-soviet-involvement/#Early_Soviet_attitudes for more detailed information.
    • Discuss the limited availability of publicly released information on this topic.
    • Before the second civil war, Stalin provided minimal support but did supply German weapons.
    • China provided some support in terms of weapons.
    • After the Gulf of Tonkin incident, Chinese support escalated.
      • While the US conducted airstrikes through the Rolling Thunder campaign, China provided construction support.
      • China also sent troops to protect North Vietnam, enabling the North Vietnamese Army to focus on fighting in South Vietnam.
    • The Soviet Union, under the leadership of Brezhnev, increased its support.
      • Kosygin’s visit to South Vietnam and the provision of significant military aid followed.
      • By the late 1960s, more than three-quarters of the military and technical equipment received by North Vietnam came from the Soviet Union.
      • The aid provided by the Soviet Union was free, not a loan.

  • P3: Other factors

    • Discuss the weaknesses of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN).
    • Highlight the popularity of Ho Chi Minh and the unpopularity of Diem.
    • Discuss the effectiveness of guerrilla warfare, using the content from the ”Guerilla warfare in two civil wars” outline.

Possible Essay Questions §

Resources §

Notes §