Category Archives: First Indochina War

First Indochina War breaks out 70 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Dec 19 1946)


Video: 'Vietnam a Television History Episode 1' (First Indochina War begins at 34:08)

(Thursday, December 19, 1946, 8:03 p.m. ICT; during the Cold War) — The First Indochina War, primarily between between French forces and their Viet Minh opponents, broke out tonight in French Indochina when Viet Minh soldiers under Ho Chi Minh plunged Hanoi into darkness and began attacking French military positions and French homes in the Battle of Hanoi. Continue reading First Indochina War breaks out 70 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Dec 19 1946)

Geneva Accords divide Vietnam into northern, southern entities 60 years ago today (July 21 1954)


Video: 'Vietnam a Television History Episode 1' (July 21, 1954, at 55:03)

(Wednesday, July 21, 1954; during the First Indochina War, part of the Cold War) — France and the three associated states of Indochina signed armistice agreements with the Communists today that extended the Iron Curtain around North Vietnam, a land of 13 million.

The United States warned it would view “with grave concern” any revival of aggression violating the agreements.

Diem appointed prime minister of South Vietnam 60 years ago today (July 7 1954)


Video: 'Vietnam a Television History Episode 2' (July 7, 1954, at 4:18)

(Wednesday, July 7, 1954; during the First Indochina War, part of the Cold War) — Two months after the French surrendered to the Viet Minh at Dien Bien Phu, Emperor Bao Dai appointed Ngo Dinh Diem today as prime minister of what would become South Vietnam, hoping he would be able to attract American aid.

Secretary of State Dulles urges $3.5 billion foreign aid 60 years ago today (June 4 1954)


Video: 'Vietnam a Television History Episode 1' (June 4, 1954, at 51:29)

(Friday, June 4, 1954; during the First Indochina War, part of the Cold War) — U.S. Secretary of State John Foster Dulles urged the Senate Foreign Relations Committee today to invest $3.5 billion in foreign aid during the next 12 months to help prevent “red domination” of the world.

Vietnamese insurgents overrun French forces at Dien Bien Phu 60 years ago this hour (May 7 1954)


Video: 'War in Vietnam : Documentary on the Battle of Dien Bien Phu' (May 7, 1954, at 23:39)

(Friday, May 7, 1954, 5:30 p.m. local time; during the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, part of the First Indochina War) — The 55-day Battle of Dien Bien Phu in Vietnam ended today with Vietnamese insurgents overrunning French forces and ultimately ending French involvement in Indochina. Continue reading Vietnamese insurgents overrun French forces at Dien Bien Phu 60 years ago this hour (May 7 1954)

Geneva Conference opens in Switzerland 60 years ago today (Apr 26 1954)


Video: 'Vietnam a Television History Episode 1' (Geneva Conference at 51:54)

(Monday, April 26, 1954; during the First Indochina War, part of the Cold War) — The Geneva Conference, organized to find a way to settle outstanding issues on the Korean peninsula and to unify Vietnam and discuss the possibility of restoring peace in Indochina, convened today in Geneva, Switzerland.

Eisenhower presents ‘domino theory’ 60 years ago today (Apr 7 1954)


Video: '45 85 Part 5' (Apr. 7, 1954, at 8:27)

(Wednesday, April 7, 1954; during First Indochina War, part of the Indochina Wars and the Cold War) — U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower soberly warned at a news conference today that the fall of French Indochina to the communists could create a “domino” effect in Southeast Asia. The so-called “domino theory” dominated U.S. thinking about the region for the next two decades.

French airstrip permanently closed at Dien Bien Phu 60 years ago today (Mar 28 1954)


Video: 'Vietnam The Ten Thousand Day War 2of13 Dien Bien Phu' (Mar. 28, 1954, at 19:46)

(Sunday, March 28, 1954; during the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, part of the First Indochina War) — Artillery has closed the French airstrip at Dien Bien Phu by today. While the base was now isolated, the French still fought on.

Anne-Marie falls to Viet Minh at Dien Bien Phu 60 years ago today (Mar 17 1954)


Video: 'Vietnam The Ten Thousand Day War 2of13 Dien Bien Phu' (Mar. 17, 1954, at 18:10)

(Wednesday, March 17, 1954; during the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, part of the First Indochina War) — Strong point Anne-Marie fell to the Viet Minh today, the third French outpost silenced at Dien Bien Phu. The French estimate communist dead at 2,500. Indeed, with some hills covered with dead and dying, the Viet Minh pause. Continue reading Anne-Marie falls to Viet Minh at Dien Bien Phu 60 years ago today (Mar 17 1954)