Decolonization of Vietnam By 15elolli Jan 1, 1884 French Rule By 1884, the entire country of Vietnam was under French rule Period: Jan 1, 1884 to Aug 1, 1945 Direct French Rule Complete French rule lasted until the end of World War II, when the Japanese occupied Period: Jan 1, 1884 to Apr 1, 1956 Colonization/Decolonization Jan 1, 1887 French Indochina Integrated into union of French Indochina by 1887 Period: Dec 19, 1946 to Aug 1, 1954 First Indochina War May 7, 1954 Battle of Dien Bien Phu Jul 20, 1954 Geneva Conference Apr 1, 1956 French out of Vietnam