What happened to Ngo Dinh Diem in 1963?

• A. He and his brother were exiled from Vietnam
• B. He became president of a unified Vietnam
• C. He remained in power until 1965
• D. He and his brother were assassinated in a U.S.-backed coup

Answer: (D)

In 1963, Ngo Dinh Diem and his brother Ngo Dinh Nhu were killed during a military coup in Saigon that had the support of the United States. Growing domestic opposition, especially from Buddhists, undermined his regime, and Washington decided a change in leadership was needed. The coup toppled Diem, and both were assassinated, ending their rule. This is why the event is described as a U.S.-backed coup. The other options don’t fit: he did not go into exile, he did not preside over a unified Vietnam, and he did not remain in power until 1965.