Dien Bien Phu

France set up protectorates in Cambodia

Sep 1, 1863

France set up protectorates in Laos

Dec 16, 1893

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, 1945

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, 1946

France had a difficult time defending themselves

Dec 16, 1952

French troops arrive at Dien Bien Phu

Nov 20, 1953

Laos signed a Treaty of Amity and Association with France

Dec 16, 1953

For the first time Viet Minh fired on the French

Jan 31, 1954

Viet Minh controlled most of the airfield

Apr 22, 1954

French choose Dien Bien Phu to showdown with the Viet Minh

Dec 16, 1954