The Battle Dien Bien Phu

Ho Chi Minh was elected president

Mar 2, 1946

Ho Chi Minh was elected president of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (France recognized a self controlled North Vietnam within French-controlled Indochina).

Vietminh troops attacked French controlled Saigon.

May 19, 1947

Ho Chi Minh refused French peace terms.

Sep 10, 1947

French troops attacked Tonkin

Oct 9, 1947

Open war between French and Vietminh

Mar 10, 1951

Vietminh invaded Laos

Apr 10, 1953

French airborne troops captured Dien Bien Phu

Nov 29, 1953

Vietminh sieged Dien Bien Phu

Mar 14, 1954

The base was well-fortified and defended by French troops, but it could only be reached by air

Dien Bien Phu base captured

May 7, 1954

Nearly 20,000 French killed or captured.

Armistice agreed in Indochina

Jun 20, 1954