4. The background to the Vietnam War (1965-1973) Flashcards
Who ruled Vietnam before the Second World War (before 1939)?
France
What was the name of the region that Vietnam was a part of (along with other countries such as Cambodia and Laos) before the Second World War?
Indochina
Who conquered Vietnam during the Second World War, and how would you describe their rule?
Japan - their rule was harsh and brutal
What group was formed in Vietnam during the Second World War, in response to Japanese occupation?
The Viet Minh
Was the Viet Minh communist or capitalist?
Communist
Who was the leader of the communist Viet Minh?
Ho Chi Minh
What area of Vietnam did the Viet Minh control by 1945?
The North
What did the Viet Minh declare in 1945 in the city of Hanoi?
They declared Vietnamese independence
What broke out in Vietnam between 1945 and 1954 (the 9 years after WWII)?
A civil war between France and the Viet Minh
Who did the Viet Minh fight in the civil war between 1945 and 1954?
France
Who supported the Viet Minh during the civil war with France (1945-1954)?
China
How did America get involved in the civil war between France and the Viet Minh (1945-1954)?
They gave $500 million each year to France to help their war effort (this was approximately 80% of the cost of the war).
What happened at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954?
After 55 days of fighting, France experienced a major defeat against the Viet Minh. 8,000 French troops were killed (this was in addition to the 73,000 losses France had suffered in since the start of the civil war).
What battle took place between France and the Viet Minh in 1954?
Dien Bien Phu
How many French soldiers were killed during the Battle of Dien Bien Phu?
8,000 (this was on top of the 73,000 French soldiers who had died whilst fighting the Viet Minh since 1945).
