Karl Marx suggested that once this style of political system (Communism) became popular, the world will begin adopting the same ideology. "Workers of the World unite" - 1848 Karl Marx. Australia and the US: concerned because of a World wide revolution 1954: The French who had been controlling Vietnam were defeated by the Vietminh run by Ho Chih Minh.
At this point American was thinking; no way are we going to let Vietnam "fall" to communism (Domino Theory). America: No way Ho Chih Minh will control the whole country. North Vietnam adopted a communist political structure. South Vietnam: Diem is leader who is corrupt, incompetent, exploited the country, Catholic ruler in mainly Buddist country. Diem owned ARVN. People of South Vietnam wanted to overthrow Diem by attacking his forces called the Vietcong (nicknames VC or Charlie). Operate by day as peasants (workers in the town), but by night they go out as guerillla soldiers. They obtain weapons by stealing and defeating ARVN. They caused much disruption. American funnels money into ARVN to maintain control. Vietminh and Vietcong team up.
Why did Australia get involved? 1. Australian Government states: "We have to stop Communism" 2. Forward Defence: Offical policy 3. Allies with America (SEATO and ANZUS). Reaffirm and cement Australia's alliance was with the USA. 4. Indonesia's enormous population at the time in comparison to Australia's.
1962: Australia sent 30 advisers (elite military men) to go and advise the Southern Vietnamese army and were known as "The Team". 1964: National Service. Australia needed to get more. Volunteers are not enough. 1965: Australia sends military forces to Vietnam