Activity 1 - How did the conflict develop?

  1. Research - Complete this worksheet examining the course of the Indochina War. Using the Lesson Presentation and the resources below, investigate the actions of both the Viet Minh and CEFEO forces:
    1. ​The First Indochina War 
    2. First Indochina War 
    3. The War That Doomed America in Vietnam: The First Indochina War
    4. The French Indochina War Begins, 1946-1950 - The Vietnam Era 
  2. Discuss - Examine the criteria on how to measure historical significance. What were the most significant turning points of the conflict?
    1. ​1946 - Battle of Hanoi
    2. 1947 - Operation Lea, Operation Ceinture
    3. 1949 - Battle of Cao Bang, State of Vietnam created by French
    4. 1950 - Battle of Route Coloniale 4, PRC/USSR recognise the DRV, US MAAG arrives
    5. 1951 - Battle of Vinh Yen, Battle of Mao Khe, Battle of Day River, Battle of Hoa Binh
    6. 1952 - Battle of Na San, Operation Lorraine, 
    7. 1953 - Operation Hirondelle, Operation Castor
    8. 1954 - Battle of Dien Bien Phu

Activity 2 - Why did the French lose at DBP?

  1. Watch - Despite American aid, the French were defeated at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu. Watch the following video and make notes on the following:
    1. The French aims in setting up a base in enemy territory at Dien Bien Phu
    2. The ways in which the French underestimated the Vietminh
    3. The ways in which the French plan went dreadfully wrong and why it went so wrong
    4. The American response
    5. The results of the battle
  2. Analysis - Examine the following source from an interview with Giap following Dien Bien Phu. According to Giap, what is the significance of Dien Bien Phu?

Activity 3 - What forces fought in the war?

  1. Research - Research the differences between both the Viet Minh and CEFEO force. Complete this worksheet by noting down key facts about the force structure, foreign support, strategy and tactics, and key leaders.
    1. This website: 'The tiger and the elephant' is a useful starting point. 
  2. Discuss - To what extent was Viet Minh success dependent on foreign support? 

Further Reading

OBLIGATORY READING
  1. Sanders, V. (2015). Access to History: The Cold War in Asia, 1945-93, pp. 94-106
RECOMMENDED READING
  1. Windrow, M. (1998). Osprey Men-at-Arms: The French Indochina War 1946-54, pp. 5-10
SUPPLEMENTAL READING
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