Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Stamps issued: 1976-PRESENT

A republic occupying the eastern half of Indochina. The Democratic Republic of Vietnam was established in 1954, after the defeat of French forces by the nationalist Vietminh. The North continued to support the communist Vietcong in the South against the South Vietnamese regime, increasing its aid after 1959. In 1964, North Vietnamese troops began to fight in the South, bringing the United States actively into the war. During 1965-69, the war was largely a stalemate, with neither side able to achieve any permanent success. Growing domestic opposition to the U.S. involvement in the war brought a cease-fire in January 1973, after which U.S. forces were withdrawn, and U.S. aid to the South was reduced. In early 1975, a renewed communist offensive brought about the rapid collapse of the South Vietnamese regime, and a communist government was installed in the South.

Precedent Countries:

REPUBLIC OF NORTH VIETNAM
Stamps issued: 1951-1976

VIETNAM
Stamps issued: 1951-1975

After the loss of the northern half of Vietnam to the communists in 1954, the southern portion of the country withdrew from the French Union and deposed its ruler, Bao Dai. On Oct. 26, 1955, the Republic of Vietnam was established. After 1956, fighting with the communists continued, the southern communist Vietcong being supported and supplied by North Vietnam. The United States supported the South with aid and, after June 1965, with troops. After 1969, because of growing opposition to involvement among Americans, the United States began to reduce its involvement, and in January 1973, a cease-fire between the United States, North Vietnam and the Vietcong provided for the withdrawal of U.S. forces. The United States reduced aid to the South, weakening that regime's position, so that in early 1975, a North Vietnamese invasion, in violation of the cease-fire, quickly brought the South Vietnamese collapse. A Provisional Revolutionary Government, under North Vietnamese direction, assumed control of the South in May 1975, and the country was reunited as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on July 2, 1976.

Narrative by Linn's Stamp News

NORTH VIETNAM (VIET MINH ISSUES)
Stamps issued: 1945-1946
Prior to 1951 see Cambodia, Indo-China