Intro to VietnamSetting the Stage for Conflict

French Indochina

Overview of Vietnam 1800s - French Colony 1941 -Japanese Possession 1945 - Independent 1946 - French Colony (War) 1954 – Independent (North and

South) 1956 – Unify in 1956? 1956 – 1975 Civil War (North Wins)

Vietnamese Independence History of Invasions – French Control

entering 20th Century

Modern movement resurfaces after WWI

Rise of Ho Chi Minh

World War II France Replaced by Japan

Ho Chi Minh returns in 1941

**Vietminh is founded

Vietminh is led by Communists but not exclusive

Attacked Japanese to liberate parts of Vietnam

Post- WWII Ho Chi Minh appeals to the world for

independence

France claims possession – First Indochina war 1946 - 1954

U.S. Response Pentagon Papers

Eisenhower Press Conference

What does the U.S. decide to do?

Why?

End of War1954 Despite financing from U.S., France

loses

Dien Bien Phu – valley in NW Vietnam

40,000 Vietminh vs. 15,000 French

French Surrender – why?

Geneva Conference July 1954 – Geneva Accords signed

Purpose?

France, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, China, Great Britain, U.S., Soviet Union,

Geneva Accords Provisions Cease Fire

Vietnam temporarily divided along 17th parallel (North and South) with DMZ

General elections scheduled for 1956 to unify the country

U.S. Support? Chinese Support?

North Vietnam South Vietnam

Leader Ho Chi Minh Dinh Diem

Government Communist Corrupt Democracy

Support China, Soviets U.S.

Expectations for Election in 1956

Unify Vietnam under communism

Struggle to maintain control of the South

Activity in other Country

National Liberation Front develops in SouthVietminh = NLF = Vietcong(Late 1950’s)

none

Comparison North to South

Civil War

Late 1950’s – North Vietnam supporting Vietcong efforts in the South

1960 – Ho Chi Minh sends NVA into the South

Mid 1950’s Eisenhower decides to intervene – military advisers (900 by 1960)

Homework Read Chapter 19 Section 1

Pg 603 – questions 2, 3, and 4