Explain why the United States backed the unpopular South Vietnamese go

Explain why the United States backed the unpopular South Vietnamese government of Ngo Dinh Diem from 1955 to 1963. Why did the United States endorse and cooperate in the coup that overthrew Diem’s government?

What will be an ideal response?

ANSWER
The United States supported Diem because he was an anticommunist Vietnamese nationalist, and he appeared to be the man with the potential of building (with U.S. help) an independent, noncommunist South Vietnam. The United States endorsed the coup against Diem because, by 1963, his leadership had lost credibility, his government was corrupt, and South Vietnam seemed to be losing “the hearts and minds” of its people to the Vietcong.