Notes_1D_Vietnam_War 英语.docxVIP

HWA CHONG INSTITUTIONYear 4 IHC NOTES 1D – Ideological Conflict [The Vietnam War]France ruled Vietnam since the late 19th c (also known as Indochina)France was defeated in WWII by the GermansAs a result, the Japanese (German’s allies) took control of the main resources in Vietnam (coal, rice, rubber)1941, Communist leader Ho Chi Minh sneaked back into Vietnamhe founded the Vietnamese Independence League – VietminhThe Vietminhgathered weapons, spied on the Japanese for the Americans plotted a postwar takeoverJapanese surrendered in Aug 1945Ho Chi Minh declared independence – Republic of VietnamFrance insisted in keeping Vietnam subservientLate 1946, French and Vietminh forces clashed1953: Dien Bien Phu – Vietminh surrounded the French in Dienbienphu where they were defeated. The Americans rejected the plea for help from the French as they had just gotten out of an unpopular war in Korea.1954: Geneva Accord between the French VietminhAmerican President Eisenhower did not sign the Accord – it was seen as a surrender to communismHealing long division16/07/2004The Geneva Accord was signed in July 1954, officially ending a century of French domination in Vietnam, while marking a start for Vietnamese people to reunite.After the Viet Minh victory in Dien Bien Phu in May 1954, the French realised that they had lost the war. The decisive battle forced the French to give up, in spite of US pressure to continue, as at that time, they were the main supplier of the French war effort.?Just one day after defeat at Dien Bien, the French government met with Viet Minh representatives in Geneva to discuss terms for ending the war. Vietnamese nationals loyal to France, as well as soldiers from Cambodia, Laos, the United Kingdom, China, the United States and the USSR joined the French forces.The Geneva Accord was signed on 21 July, stating a cease-fire and that Vietnam was to become an independent nation. Elections were to be held in July 1956, under international supervision, to instal