Nguyen Thi Vinh describes the division between North and south Vietnam as “a frontier of
fear and hatred.” This division was fueled by both political and social factors, including the presence of foreign powers, ideological differences, and historical grievances. The Vietnam War was a manifestation of this division, with the North and South pitted against each other in a brutal conflict that lasted for over 20 years.
The division between North and South Vietnam was exacerbated by the involvement of foreign powers, particularly the United States and the Soviet Union. The North was supported by the Soviet Union and China, while the South received backing from the United States. This external support only served to deepen the divide between the two regions, as each side aligned itself with a different superpower and adopted opposing ideologies.
The ideological differences between the North and South also contributed to the division. The North was governed by the communist regime of Ho Chi Minh, while the South was led by a series of non-communist governments. This ideological divide fueled mistrust and animosity between the two regions, leading to a deep-seated sense of distrust and resentment.
Historical grievances also played a role in the division between North and South Vietnam. The North viewed the South as collaborators with colonial powers during the era of French colonial rule, while the South saw the North as an oppressive communist regime seeking to impose its will on the entire country. These historical grievances were passed down from generation to generation, further perpetuating the division between the two regions.
Overall, the division between North and South Vietnam was a complex and multifaceted issue, fueled by political, social, and historical factors. This division ultimately led to the outbreak of the Vietnam War, a devastating conflict that tore the country apart and had far-reaching consequences for the Vietnamese people.