Vietnam in the 19th century was colonised by the French Empire
In 1940, the French were defeated by Germany, and the French empire collapsed around the world
Japan occupied Vietnam from here; Japanese resistance movement emerges under leadership of Ho Chi Minh (communist and nationalist)
He inspired the Vietnamese to liberate themselves from the Japanese; Vietnam was declared independent after the war
After the war, France wanted to retain and rule Vietnam again
9 years of war followed; Viet Minh controlled the north and the French the south
1946-1954 - the French fought against the Viet Minh, but the Communist party in Vietnam was hard to wear down
USA wanted a strong France to withstand communism in both Europe and Asia
USA supported the French war effort in Vietnam by paying 80% of the costs
1954 - Vietminh defeated the French at the battle of Dien Bien Phu ending French rule in the region
1954 Geneva Accord - recognised French withdrawal from Vietnam
- Partitioned Vietnam along the 17th parallel between North and South governments
- Recognised Laos and Cambodia as free independent states
- US refused to sign the accord

Height of Tension - Vietnam War