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Ho Chi Minh creates the Indochinese Communist Party (ICP).
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During World War II, the Japanese overrun Vietnam. Prior to World War II, Vietnam has been part of French territory. After World War II ended, however, the Japanese eventually retreated. The South was given back to the French, and the North was left to non-communist Chinese. This deepened the conflict between the North and the South, as they treated each other poorly, which allowed for support to rise for Ho Chi Minh.
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After the French retreat of power, Viet Minh, a guerrilla force created by the ICP which formed in 1941, seizes power and announces independence under rule of Ho Chi Minh.
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French forces rise up against Viet Minh attempting to reclaim their land, which signifies the beginning of the war of resistance against the communist party.
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In an attempt to begin reestablishing the French government rule, Bao Dai is appointed as the Chief of State, and authority under the French rule. He would be the last Emperor of Vietnam and the last ruler of the Nguyen dynasty. Bao Dai is largely unrecognized as a ruler and most claim that any authority would be followed only by Ho Chi Minh.
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Mao Zedong's new leadership in China meant that the Viet Minh were receiving support from a now communist China. This meant that the Viet Minh held communist support from the Russians, Chinese, and Eastern Europe. This meant continued difficulty for the French in going up against the Viet Minh.
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President Harry Truman supplies military support against the Communists, thus beginning the United States involvement in the war.
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Ngo Dinh Diem represents the first official leader of South Vietnam. Ngo Dinh Diem received the backing and support of America despite his generally brutal and corrupt treatment/ruling. The support of America comes specifically from his anti-communist beliefs and ruling, and during this time, many other attributes of politicians and leaders were set aside so long as they were anti-communism. He was eventually assassinated.
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The French initially sent their men to defeat those from Viet Minh in Dien Bien Phu. The French mistakenly assumed a victory would be expected. After being attacked and forced to surrender in May of 1954, the French officially withdraw from Vietnam.
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A meeting was set for the World's Powers to discuss the potential for splitting Vietnam in two in 1954. It was decided that this would occur, and did not officially take place until 1956. Bao Dai was set to rule the South and Ho Chi Minh would be the leader of the North.
