Conflict in Indo China

Key feature: The significance of the French Defeat at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu


Worst military defeat in colonial history
Tremendous implications locally and globally

(a) Significance for Vietnam
End of French rule in Vietnam
Demonstrates power of nationalism Vs foreign invader
Support the VM- peasants (power they had over the peasants)
VM controls areas in Viet, Highlands- Chinese Boarder, Red Delta- Mekong River Delta, and Northern provinces of Laos

(b) Global Significance
French defeat seen as Communist victory Vs Democracy
US furious see defeat as the monolithic giant- Communism spreading into other nations
USA refuses to participate in discussions of Vietnam’s future at Geneva Conference
US interpret the victory as a victory for China and communism rather than nationalism
Chinese see the victory as concern- don’t want strong Vietnam to their south

(c) The Effect of DBP on the Geneva Conference
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