Strategic Hamlets

Strategic Hamlets were fortified villages created by the U.S. and South Vietnamese government during the Vietnam War to protect local citizens from Viet Cong influence and infiltration. The idea was to relocate villagers into these secure areas, where they could be better defended and monitored. However, the initiative often led to resentment, interference with daily life, and increased hostility, ultimately undermining its goal of winning local support. The program reflects an effort to control territory and population, but it faced challenges balancing security with respecting residents' freedoms and trust.