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Three presidents increase involvement in Vietnam.
In 1941 a Vietnamese communist, Ho Chi Minh, drew on that history to stir up nationalist feelings. -
Vietnam claims Independence
On September 2, 1945, the same day that Japan formally surrendered to the allies, Vietnam declared its independence. -
French war ships open fire on Haiphong
In November 1946, French warships opened fire on the port city of Haiphong, killing some 6,000 Vietnamese civillians . -
Viet Minh surprise attack on French military base.
The decisive battle of the war began in March 1954, when the Viet Minh launched a surprise attack on a large French military base at Dien Bien Phu, in the mountains of northern Vietnam -
Viet Minh finally overran the French base
On May 7 , 1954 the Viet Minh finally overran the French base, ending the battle of Dien Bien Phu and shattering French moralw
