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French Rule Begins
Vietnam, formerly Indochina, became one of France's colonies in Southeast Asia along with... -
Indochinese Communist Part (ICP) founded
Ho Chi Minh becomes the leader and founder of the Indochinese Communist Party -
Viet Minh Guerilla Force Established
ICP organises a guerrilla force, Viet Minh, in response to invasion by Japan during World War II. -
Vietnam's Independence Announced
The Viet Minh seizes power. Ho Chi Minh announces Vietnam's independence. -
Vietnamese Revolution Begins
French forces attack Viet Minh in Haiphong in November, sparking the war of resistance against the colonial power. -
Democratic Republic of Vietnam
Democratic Republic of Vietnam is recognised by China and USSR. -
Geneva Peace Conference
Viet Minh forces attack an isolated French military outpost in the town of Dien Bien Phu. The attempt to take the outpost lasts two months, during which time the French government agrees to peace talks in Geneva. Vietnam is split into the North and South. -
Ngo Dien Diem
Ngo Dien Diem became the South Vietnamese President after defeating Emperor Bao Dai in a government controlled referendum. He refused to follow the 1954 Geneva Accords which had called for free elections to be held in 1956 to established a unified and national government. -
American Military Aid Begins