Dien Bien Phu By a_rexx Sep 1, 1863 France set up protectorates in Cambodia Dec 16, 1893 France set up protectorates in Laos Dec 16, 1945 French made the leaders in Laos and Cambodia join the French Union Dec 16, 1945 Ho Chi Minh organized an independent government (The Democratic Republic of Vietnam) Dec 16, 1946 Instead of trying to work out their differences, France and the Viet Minh started war Dec 16, 1946 French built firebases on 8 hills Dec 16, 1952 France had a difficult time defending themselves Nov 20, 1953 French troops arrive at Dien Bien Phu Dec 16, 1953 Laos signed a Treaty of Amity and Association with France Jan 31, 1954 For the first time Viet Minh fired on the French Apr 22, 1954 Viet Minh controlled most of the airfield Dec 16, 1954 French choose Dien Bien Phu to showdown with the Viet Minh
