Vietnam's History
The Battle of Dien Bien Phu
(March 13-May 7 1954)
"This Battle was fought between Vietnam and Fra.nce, over Vietnamese territory. It is part of the first Indochina War, and was fought in Dien Bien Phu Vietnam. In the end, the French were defeated by the Communist Vietming, giving Vietnam their Independence. The French created an air-supplied base at Dien Bien Phu, Vietnam. The original plan was to cut VietMinh supply lines in Laos, while luring them into a battle that would cripple and destroy them. However, the VietMinh (led by General Vo Giap Nguyen) put troops around the French, surrounding them. The French were taken by surpise not only because they were surrounded, but also because they did not know Vietnam had possession of such heavy artillery weapons. The VietMinh positioned them on top of the mountain, so that they could accurately fire down at the French, in Dien Bien Phu. Fighting began on the grounds, and the French fired back at the Vietminh assaults. Supplies and reinforcements were delivered to the French, but as fewer and fewer supplies reached them, the French were forced to surrender. "
- Ve Van Le
Overall, there were twenty three thousand casualties: 2,293 dead, 5,195 wounded, and 10,998 captured. Vietnam artillery weapons include anti-aircraft guns; they were also taken aback by the ability of the VietMinh to move such weapons over a mountain that overlooked French camps.
Battle of Dien Bien Phu
Vietnamese Victory at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu
Geneva Conference (May 8- July 21 1954)
The Geneva Conference was held only a day after the Battle of Dien Bien Phu ended.
"This was a conference, between many different countries, trying to restore peace and order in French, Indochina, and Vietnam. It happened as a result of the French being defeated in the Battle of Dien Bien Phu. Out of this conference came a set of treaties, known as the Geneva Accords, signed on behalf of France by Pierre Mendesfrance and of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam by Pham Van Dong. This conference was held in Geneva, Switzterland. It happened only a day after the end of the Battle of Dien Bien Phu; Vietnamese(VietMinh) and French (government) representatives met to discuss terms for ending the war. Other people/countries that attented the conference included: Vietnamese representatives that were loyal to France, representatives from Cambodia, Laos, the United Kingdom, China, the United States, and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). The VietMinh fought for the complete withdrawal of the French and the recognition of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. The French hoped to keep their power in Southern Vietnam, where a rival government was set up under Emperor Bao Dai. Having just removing troops from Korea and the United States, China did not want to be involved in further conflict. The Geneva Conference produced the Geneva Accords. "
- Tri Vuong
Geneva Conference
Geneva Accords
(1) Vietnam was guaranteed independence.
(2) Under international supervision, Vietnam was to have a national election two years following July 1954.
(3) At the 17th Parallel (just to the north of Hue on the map), the Vietminh, led by Ho Chi Minh, would have control over the North Vietnam; forces who fought with the French would have control over the South.
In 1949, the French set up a rival government under Emperor Bao Dai.
The United States did not approve of the Geneva Accord and did not have any part in it.
"The separation of Vietnam formed from the treaty. The Communist Norh Vietnam called itself the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Led by Ho Chi Minh, the North's capital was in the city of Hanoi. South Vietnam called itself the Republic of Vietnam. Ngo Dinh Diem, a French-educated Catholic, established Saigon (now named Ho Chi Minh City) as the nation's capital. He allied with the United States. The South ruled itself with help with from the United States. The plan of the treaty was to separate it into two parts: the North and the South. Two years later in 1956, they would hold a general election for a Vietnamese President. However, the United States interfered with this, because there were aware of how popular a leader Ho Chi Minh was. This led to the Vietnam War, as the North attempted to unite itself with the South, making Vietnam a unified country. No elections were made in 1965, even though this was the supposed plan."
-Ve Van Le
Vietnam War
1945-1975
This war lasted from 1945-1975. It was fought in Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia between North and South Vietnam . Military organizations involved in the Vietnam War, from the south, was the United States Military, the Army of the Republic Vietnam , and from the North, Vietnam People's Army, and the Vietcong , also known as the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam . The United States entered the war, siding with South Vietnam to prevent containment(uniting of North and South Vietnam). When the South was well-trained and armed, the United States withdrew from Vietnam. Fighting continued, even though a peace treaty was signed in January of 1973. The U.S. Congress passed the Case-Church amendment, in June, 1973, prohibiting the U.S. army from interfering in the Vietnam War. When the United States withdrew troops, South Vietnam collapsed and North Vietnam took over the South. North and South Vietnam were reunited in April of 1975 when the North captured Saigon. The Vietnam War made a big impact on States's politics, culture, and foreign relations.
The Vietnam War caused many casualties. The United States began to withdraw troops from Vietnam between 1969-1975.
After the United States left Vietnam, General Dung of North Vietnam decided to launch an attack against Saigon. The South unsuccessfully tried to defend their capital. On April 21, the South surrendered. President Thieu believed that the United States betrayed them. "At the time of the peace agreement the United States agreed to replace equipment on a one-by-one basis. But the United States did not keep its word. Is an American's word reliable these days? The United States did not keep its promise to help us fight for freedom and it was in the same fight that the United States lost 50,000 of its young men." Thieu left for Taiwan on April 25, and left control of South Vietnam to General Duong Van Minh. At the same time, the North turned towards Saigon and killed South defenders. By the end of April, the South army collapsed.
South Vietnam scrambled to find a way to leave when Saigon collapsed, before they were all slaughtered. The United States flew to Vietnam to evacuate as many South Vietnamese, U.S, and other foreign people out of Saigon. They were evacuated by Frequent Wind(evacuation helicopter). As the North captured the important bases, President Duong Van Minh attempted to surrender to the North. Duong Van Minh ordered his last command to the South armies: to drop any arms and weapons. The North Communists had successfully achieved their goal after many tiring years of war: they destroyed the Saigon regime.
Vietnam War
