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VIVEK SINGHAIR 276· 2025

Question Q.14GS2GS1

The Vietnam War was a proxy conflict rooted in the ideological rivalry of the Cold War. Comment.

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Main Body

1945-1990s was a period of cold war between USA and USSR. There was no direct confrontation but engaged in various proxy wars like Vietnam war, Korean war, Afghan war, etc.

Under French occupation.

Under local leader Ho-chi influence.

Vietnam Map

North Vietnam, South Vietnam

Rooted in ideological rivalry:

1South North Vietnam: supported by USA to its ally French: capitalist state
2South Vietnam: supported by USSR, a communist region to Ho-chi leads.
2Ho-chi staged a gorilla warfare against French occupation in start of Vietnam.

Arms support was provided by USSR.

4French in North tried to suppress the revolt through modern weaponry and airforce.
5USA came in the support of French and in 1960s both the involved parties fought for 4 years leading to more than 1 million deaths.
6USA wanted a democratic and free market economy of free Vietnam whereas Ho-chi believed in socialist-communist form of government supported by China and USSR.
7Ho-chi with support of USSR and China was able to take over South Vietnam and established communist rule.

However, there was other reason also apart from Cold ideological rivalry:

(a) China's influence in Vietnam: China wanted Vietnam to be its close ally.

(b) French's expansionism and imperialism: didn't want to loose out its territory.

(c) People's Movement: under leadership of Ho-chi, guerilla warfare and expulsion of European forces out.

(d) South Vietnam was rewired with, especially coastal region: food supply.

Vietnam was in history is an example of USA's mis-adventure in the name of restoring democracy in the world.

257 words9 paragraphs

Diagram

Vietnam Map showing North Vietnam, South Vietnam, French occupation, and local leader Ho-chi influence

  • Correctly identifies Vietnam War as proxy conflict
  • Explains Cold War context
  • Provides geographical context with map
  • Comprehensive coverage of Cold War involvement
  • Mentions alternative reasons beyond ideology
  • Explains each party's strategic interests
  • Provides concluding perspective
  • Critically evaluates USA's role

Open original scan

Page 30

Topper

VIVEK SINGH

AIR 2762025

Subject & Paper

GS2GS1

Topic

History of the World

World Wars and Cold War

Vietnam War and Cold War Ideology

Writing Stats

257

Total words

9

Paragraphs

Analytical with explanatory details

Tone