“Ideology was the most important cause of the Vietnam War (1956–1975).” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement. Causes may predate the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to the growing popularity of Ho Chi Minh’s Chinese-style communism, which he had developed during his many years in France and the USSR. They may also identify the ideological context of the Cold War as a cause. The US, alarmed at Mao Zedong’s victory in China, became committed to the policy of containment fearing the spread of communism in the region. The USSR and the People’s Republic of China were keen to support other communist regimes. Ho, who wished to reunite his country, was also a nationalist and wanted to unify Vietnam. While other relevant factors, for example the perception of US weakness and strategic factors, may be referred to, the bulk of the response will remain on the issue raised in the question. Candidates may agree, partly agree or disagree with the statement.

Candidates were required to offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that ideology was the most important cause of the Vietnam War. A popular question with some excellent responses. However, there were many responses that lacked focus on the region and instead analysed the reasons for US involvement in depth with barely any discussion of events in Vietnam.