The coup against Ngo Dinh Diem, the first president of South Vietnam, was the result of a series of political and military tensions that had been building for years. Diem's government faced significant opposition, particularly from the Buddhist majority, due to its oppressive policies, including religious discrimination. Political corruption and failure to address societal issues further fueled dissent among citizens and among military leaders. On November 1, 1963, a faction of the South Vietnamese military, led by General Duong Van Minh, initiated a coup to overthrow Diem. With the backing of various military leaders and support from the United States—which was eager to see reform in Vietnam—the coup quickly gained momentum.The coup began in the early morning hours as troops deployed around Saigon, effectively cutting off access to the presidential palace. By the afternoon, resistance from Diem's loyal forces had dwindled. Diem and his brother, Ngo Dinh Nhu, later took refuge in a church but were apprehended by coup forces. The brothers were assassinated shortly after capture, an event filmed by the U.S. media, which shocked the American public. This dramatic shift in power signified a turning point in South Vietnam's conflict, leading to further instability as competing factions vied for control, escalated U.S. involvement, and deepening military engagements in the Vietnam War.