Dien Bien Phu

Question 1

Context?

Answer 1

• France was trying to reclaim control of Vietnam after World War II.
• The Viet Minh, led by Ho Chi Minh and General Giap, were fighting for independence.
• The French set up a base in Dien Bien Phu, a valley in north-west Vietnam, hoping to draw the Viet Minh into a major battle they thought they would win.

Question 2

French strategy?

Answer 2

• Use superior firepower to crush Viet Minh forces.
• Thought the valley location was ideal for defence.
• Believed the Viet Minh had no heavy weapons or way to bring them into the remote, mountainous area.

⸻

Question 3

What happened?

Answer 3

• General Giap completely outsmarted the French:
• Moved thousands of troops and weapons through the jungle.
• Used porters and bikes to carry artillery into mountain positions surrounding the French.
• Siege lasted 56 days (March to May 1954).
• Viet Minh bombarded the French from above, cutting off their airstrip and supplies.

Question 4

Outcome?

Answer 4

On 7 May 1954, the French surrendered.
• Over 8,000 French soldiers were captured.
• Total French casualties: around 13,000.
• Huge humiliation for France → led to the end of French colonial rule in Vietnam.

Question 5

Consequences?

Answer 5

Led to the Geneva Agreement (1954):
• Vietnam was divided at the 17th parallel:
• North: Ho Chi Minh and the Communists.
• South: non-Communist, supported by the USA.
• France withdrew from Vietnam.
• The USA began to increase involvement, fearing the spread of communism (Domino Theory).