This challenge is to change history so that the Korean peninsula is taken over by communists, but Vietnam remains divided between the communist north and western allied south.
This challenge is to change history so that the Korean peninsula is taken over by communists, but Vietnam remains divided between the communist north and western allied south.
Would U.S intervention in 1954 be any more successful then in the 1960s?
Far more. This is before North Vietnam gained strength. Even an aerial campaign would work amazingly well.
But have you taken consideration that 1954 is the year French was floored? To assume maximum effect, USA would have to intervene (as in drop a shitload of troops) and fight against an already-pissed revolutionary army (which, btw, had strong support from the local people).
It also depends on the date. If USA dropped in prior 7 May (when Dien Bien Phu garrison fell), somewhere in the southern region would be better (most of the elite of VPA was in the north). But if it's after... well, it's better to storm in along the coast in order to totally overwhelm the enemy
The troops will probably be sent very shortly after Korea falls, as the government will not want to leave any chance anywhere for communism to spread. Vietnam wont be the only place, not that it was OTL. As stated above, the people and government would probably become paranoid.
OK, the Korean War began in July 1950 and in September - October 1950, Viet Minh (VPA) launched a series of attacks on Northern border (still in French control). News of victories in Korea (came through China) played a bit of motivational support for Viet Minh's leaders.
So, if (North) Korea successfully captured the entire Korean peninsula, when is the "right" time for USA to intervene in 1950-51? (assume that is your definition of "shortly")