Vietnam War and the Battle of Dien Bien Phu

Background

• Post WWII: France and America involved in Vietnam, part of broader colonial and anti-colonial conflicts.
• Indochina: Composed of Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam; a prized French colony.
• Opposition: US opposes French colonialism despite past French rule over Vietnam.

French Colonial Rule

• Exploitation: Rubber and rice economies, cheap labor.
• Resistance: Vietnamese peasants rebelled frequently.

Rise of Vietnamese Nationalism

• Ho Chi Minh: Leads nationalist movement, sees opportunity as Japan weakens.
• Viet Minh: Formed in 1944, initially supported by the US against Japan.

Post-War Developments

• 1945: Ho Chi Minh declares independence from Japan-occupied forces.
• French Return: Reoccupy Vietnam as US steps aside; leads to semi-autonomous status under French.

The Battle of Dien Bien Phu

• French Strategy: Occupy Dien Bien Phu to block Viet Minh; aim to defend Laos.
• Viet Minh Strategy: Led by General Giap; massive mobilization of troops and artillery.

Events of the Battle

• Initial Phase: French underestimated Viet Minh artillery, supply issues due to location.
• Major Assaults: Viet Minh's coordinated attacks on multiple strong points with high casualties.
• Tactics: Trenches dug by Viet Minh, surrounding French positions.

Outcome

• French Defeat: May 7, 1954; massive French surrender.
• Viet Minh Losses: 8,000 dead but successful.
• Historical Impact: Marks end of French Indochina; influences future US involvement.

Geneva Conference

• Partition: Vietnam divided at 17th parallel; North led by Ho Chi Minh.
• Impact: Sets stage for further conflict as elections are never held.

Post-Battle Developments

• Migration: Movement of populations due to partition.
• Land Reforms in North: Violent and led to forced modification by Hanoi regime.

Rise of Ngo Dinh Diem

• US Support: Diem becomes president of South Vietnam, supported by US.
• Domestic Issues: Struggles with internal opposition, corruption, lack of control.

Increasing US Involvement

• Military Aid: Eisenhower pledges support; Kennedy continues with increasing military presence.
• Strategic Interest: Vietnam seen as a bulwark against communism.

Growing Conflict

• Communist Insurgency: North Vietnam supports insurgency in the South, escalating into guerrilla war.
• Buddhist Crisis: Religious tensions lead to riots, political unrest.

American Military Advisors

• Role: Initially advisory, eventually more combative as US involvement increases.
• Challenges: Inability to control or effectively support South Vietnamese military efforts.