Vietnam had been a French colony close colonyA country, state or territory ruled over by another country, state or territory. before it was occupied by the Japanese during World War Two.

In 1954, the French were finally defeated by the Viet Minh at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu. This defeat was formalised in the Geneva Agreement and temporarily separated Vietnam into two zones ...

to the French to assist in their war in Vietnam. The Communist governments of China and the Soviet Union likewise begin to arm the Vietminh. May 7: After a 55-day siege, French forces surrender to ...