Dien Bien Phu, Vietnam, First Indochina War

May 7, 1954 - Dien Bien Phu, Vietnam - World War II became a trigger for Vietnam seeking independence from France as well as to oppose Japanese occupation. HO CHI MINH declares Vietnam to be independent, naming the country the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) but fails to be recognized by French authorities. French forces entered Vietnam and fighting quickly broke out between French and Viet Minh forces. By 1949, when the French reinstalled Bao Dai as figurehead, the two sides had fought to a standstill. The fighting between the French and Viet Minh came to be called the First Indochina War and would last for another five years, until 1954. PICTURED: French soldiers at a grenade launcher in Dien Bien Phu fort

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Authorities Bien Broke Declares Dien Entered Fails Figurehead Fought Grenade Indochina Launcher Minh Naming Oppose Quickly Recognized Reinstalled Seeking Standstill Trigger Viet

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