The french and dien bien phu - 1954
There is a city known as “The Seat of the Border County Prefecture”, but in Vietnamese it just translates to Dien Bien Phu. This was the town that held the most significant battle of Vietnam history. During the time of 1946, many Vietnamese citizens decided to secede from French control. Under General Giap’s orders, these citizens of Vietnam formed the Viet Minh and attacked beginning the first Indochina War. Premier Rene Mayer became the leader of the French armies and initiated military tactics such as the “hedgehog.” This technique was used to send troops to main Viet Minh supply roots in order to cut off their weapon and food supplies in hopes that the Viet Minh would surrender. As the French attempted to implement this plan, Giap seized the opportunity to remove troops that were located at the fortified camps at Chu Lai so that France would be pushed towards Dien Bien Phu. After this maneuver, Viet Minh troops were able to better surround the French with their heavy artillery and anti-aircraft
guns in which France was less prepared for. As time continued, the Viet Minh seemed to find ways to outsmart and overpower the French until their command structure nearly fell apart. Even the reorganization of the French commanders and the rise of Colonel Langlais could not save the French military as Giap’s troops continued winning back his much needed supply ports. Giap finally began switching the tactics to trench warfare to better isolate the French. The victory of Dien Bien Phu did not come easily for the Viet Minh since they were forced to receive extra help from those in Laos. This battle had finally ended on May 7, 1954. There was little significance in this battle for the French and for the fight to end communism; but it was very important for the efforts of the Viet Minh.. This battle allowed for the strengthening of the Viet Minh army and this also gave rise to the formation of the Guerilla troops and the second Indochina War. This battle will forever remain in the hearts of the Vietnamese.
guns in which France was less prepared for. As time continued, the Viet Minh seemed to find ways to outsmart and overpower the French until their command structure nearly fell apart. Even the reorganization of the French commanders and the rise of Colonel Langlais could not save the French military as Giap’s troops continued winning back his much needed supply ports. Giap finally began switching the tactics to trench warfare to better isolate the French. The victory of Dien Bien Phu did not come easily for the Viet Minh since they were forced to receive extra help from those in Laos. This battle had finally ended on May 7, 1954. There was little significance in this battle for the French and for the fight to end communism; but it was very important for the efforts of the Viet Minh.. This battle allowed for the strengthening of the Viet Minh army and this also gave rise to the formation of the Guerilla troops and the second Indochina War. This battle will forever remain in the hearts of the Vietnamese.