Battle of Dien Bien Phu Flashcards
How were the French initially prepared to attack the Vietminh?
They built an airstrip at Dien Bien Phu and had 15000 troops ready to attack Vietnminh
What surprised the French at Dien Bien Phu?
Had no idea they were surrounded by 50,000 ainti-aircraft guns, 50,000 reserve troops and 200,000 civilian workers
How long did the battle last and when did French surrender?
Lasted 55 days, French surrendered on 7th May 1954
Why did the Vietminh win the battle?
- Geography - French base located in basin - vulnerable to artillery fire* French did not have air superiority and weak supply chain* Vietminh held the high ground and had sustainable supply networks* Vietminh had effective anti-aircraft weapons
How did China help Vietminh in the battle?
Supplied them with weapons and 20,000 bikes to move supplies and help in planning
Why did Vietminh work day and night to build roads and move supplies?
Motivated to fight for independence
How did the local villagers help in the fight?
Helped dig and move suppliesSpied on French
How was it clear the French underestimated Vietminh support?
Didn’t expect them to be well armed as supply planes were shot down by Vietminh anti-aircraft guns and the French troops lacked commitment (many of them were German!)
When were Geneva accords?
21st July 1954
What did the Geneva accords agree?
. Vietnam to be split along the 17th parallel, separated by a demilitarised zone where no troops could go. Ho Chi Minh would run North Vietnam from Hanoi. Bao Dai would run South Vietnam from Saigon
When was Diem made prime minister of South Vietnam?
1954
What was allowed 300 days after Geneva accords?
Vietnamese troops could cross demilitarized zone (DMZ), however no foreign troops could set up bases on either side
What were elections in N and S Vietnam in July 1956 held to do?
Decide on government of a united Vietnam
What countries were at Geneva accords?
Cambodia, China, France, Laos, UK, USSR, N + S Vietnam
Who refused the Geneva Accords?
USA and South Vietnam
