The Buddhist Crisis reflected tensions between the South Vietnamese regime and which religious group?

• A. Catholics
• B. Buddhists
• C. Muslims
• D. Hindus

Answer: (B)

The tension centers on the relationship between the South Vietnamese government and the Buddhist majority. Diem’s regime, closely tied to Catholic elites, pursued policies that favored Catholics in administration, education, and public life, while Buddhist groups faced restrictions and harassment. This discrimination sparked widespread protests, campaigns by Buddhist leaders, and dramatic acts like monk-led demonstrations, including self-immolations, which drew international attention and exposed the regime’s coercive approach. The crisis showed how state favoritism toward one religion can provoke a powerful backlash from a large, feeling-oppressed community, undermining legitimacy and prompting shifts in support from abroad.