The Geneva Conference and Its Impact on Indochina 1954

What was the main outcome of the Geneva Conference in 1954 regarding Indochina?

The Geneva Conference resulted in the division of Vietnam into North and South at the 17th parallel.

Which countries were involved in the Geneva Conference concerning Indochina?

Countries involved included France, the Soviet Union, China, the United States, and representatives from Vietnam.

What was one of the key issues addressed at the Geneva Conference in 1954?

The conference aimed to negotiate a ceasefire and establish a framework for peace in Indochina.

What impact did the Geneva Conference have on the future of Vietnam?

The conference set the stage for the Vietnam War by creating a divided Vietnam, leading to increased tensions between the North and South.

How did the Geneva Conference affect colonial powers in Indochina?

The conference marked the end of French colonial rule in Indochina, leading to the independence of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

What was a primary response to French Colonialism in Vietnam?

The growth of nationalism.

What percentage of the Vietnamese population received French education during colonial rule?

Only 5%.

Who emerged as a key leader against French colonization in 1930?

Ho Chi Minh.

What party did Ho Chi Minh establish to unify and free Vietnam?

The Indochinese Communist Party (ICP).

What was Ho Chi Minh's stance regarding nationalism and communism?

He stated, 'I am first a nationalist and then a communist.'

What freedoms did the ICP advocate for between 1930-1940?

Freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and freedom of organization.

Which country occupied Indochina during World War II?

Japan.

What was the role of the French Vichy government during Japan's occupation of Vietnam?

They continued their administration of Vietnam.

What significant idea emerged from Japan's victory in WWII regarding colonial powers?

The idea of 'Asia for the Asians'.

What was the Vietminh, and who influenced it?

A coalition of nationalist groups largely influenced by the ICP.

What event did Ho Chi Minh proclaim on August 17, 1945?

The establishment of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

What was decided at the Potsdam Conference regarding Indochina?

To support a return of colonial rule and hand Indochina back to the French.

What event triggered the French Indochina War in 1946?

The failure of the Fontainebleau Conference to reach agreeable terms.

What was the outcome of the French shelling of Haiphong in November 1946?

It killed 6,000 Vietnamese.

What was the significance of the Barefoot Army during the conflict?

They built complex tunnel systems, promoted political consciousness, and recruited women extensively.

Who was promoted as a puppet emperor by the French during the war?

Bao Dai.

What percentage of the French war effort was supported by the USA by 1954?

84%.

What was the strategic plan of General Navarre at Dien Bien Phu?

To encourage the Vietminh into traditional battle rather than guerrilla warfare.

How long were the French besieged at Dien Bien Phu?

55 days.

What was the outcome of the final Vietminh attack at Dien Bien Phu?

The French were forced to surrender.

What was the purpose of the Geneva Conference in 1954?

To discuss the future of Korea and Indochina and seek an honorable withdrawal for the French.

What attempt was made to deny the Vietminh victory at the Geneva Conference?

To divide Vietnam at the 17th parallel and establish South Vietnam as a separate state.

What were the main countries involved in the secret negotiations of the Geneva Accords?

France, China, and the USSR.

What was established as a separate state to have representation at the Geneva Accords?

South Vietnam.

Who was appointed as the puppet emperor of South Vietnam?

Bao Dai.

Who was appointed as the Prime Minister of the State of Vietnam?

Ngo Dinh Diem.

What was the ceasefire line enforced in Vietnam according to the Geneva Accords?

The 17th parallel.

What was required of Vietminh forces under the ceasefire agreement?

They were required to retreat into the area north of the 17th parallel under the supervision of the DRV.

What was required of French forces under the ceasefire agreement?

They were required to retreat to the area south of the 17th parallel under the State of Vietnam, governed by Emperor Bao Dai.

What is a demilitarised zone (DMZ) as established by the Geneva Accords?

A zone spanning 5 kilometers either side of the 17th parallel where no military forces were allowed to gather.

How long was the legal migration period granted for military forces under the Geneva Accords?

300 days.

What were foreign troops required to do during the legal migration period?

Evacuate Cambodia and Laos.

What was scheduled to take place in July 1956 according to the Geneva Accords?

National elections to reunify Vietnam and remove the temporary ceasefire line along with the DMZ.

What was the purpose of the national elections scheduled for July 1956?

To reunify Vietnam and remove the temporary ceasefire line along with the DMZ.

What was the primary aim of the accords discussed in the notes?

To peacefully settle the future of Indochinese nations, particularly Vietnam.

What was the outcome of the accords regarding military involvement?

The USA felt no obligation to honor the prohibition against foreign military involvement.

What significant event did the ceasefire accords mark?

The end of hostilities in Vietnam.

Who were the main delegates at the Geneva Conference regarding Indochina?

Pham van Dong (Vietminh), John Foster Dulles (USA), Zhou Enlai (China), Vyacheslav Molotov (USSR), Georges Bidault (France), Anthony Eden (UK).

What was the political structure established in North Vietnam after 1954?

The Vietnam Workers' Party (Lao Dong Party) established a 'people's democracy'.

What was the economic condition of North Vietnam immediately after the Geneva Conference?

North Vietnam faced impending famine but transitioned to the fastest growing economy in Southeast Asia by 1960.

What major agricultural reforms occurred in North Vietnam between 1954 and 1957?

Land reforms were carried out, leading to trials and peasant revolts, with an estimated 100,000 deaths.

What was the status of the army in North Vietnam by 1957?

The army was expanded and modernized with Russian and Chinese weapons, and conscription was authorized.

What was the political situation in South Vietnam under Diem's government?

Diem's government was characterized by nepotism, totalitarianism, and corruption.

What was the religious demographic in South Vietnam during Diem's rule?

Catholicism was a minority religion; most Vietnamese were Buddhist.

What was the economic impact of US aid on South Vietnam during Diem's rule?

The economy boomed superficially due to massive US aid, but it created corruption and disparity.

What was the purpose of the Agroville program introduced by Diem?

To relocate villages to 'government protected' sites, which resulted in poverty and resentment against Diem.

What was the significance of the Denunciation Campaign introduced by Diem?

It aimed to suppress dissent by encouraging peasants to denounce anyone associated with communism.

How did Diem's government handle land reforms after the French war?

Diem allowed landlords to reclaim their lands and attempted to abolish the Viet Minh's land reforms.

What was the role of women in North Vietnam's labor force?

Women were part of the labor force and the army, contributing to industrial and military efforts.

What was the political opposition like in South Vietnam by 1954?

An influential network controlled 30% of South Vietnam's land and population, including political religious sects.

What was the impact of the First Indochinese War on American policy?

It strengthened American resolve to prevent communist expansion in Indochina.

What was the significance of the Vietminh's victory?

It led to the end of French colonial rule and increased the Vietminh's power and prestige.

What was the economic policy of the Diem government?

It included industrialization efforts and reliance on foreign loans and investment.

What was the outcome of the elections in North Vietnam by 1960?

Elections aimed to unify the whole of Vietnam.

What was the significance of the 1963 assassination of Diem?

It marked a turning point in South Vietnam's political instability and opposition.

What was the condition of the judiciary under Diem's rule?

The courts were in poor condition, and military tribunals were used to try suspected communists.

What was the nature of censorship in South Vietnam during Diem's government?

Routine censorship was imposed to control information and suppress dissent.

What was the significance of the Five Year Plan introduced by Diem?

It aimed to boost industrial production and attract foreign investment.

What were the social issues faced by civilians during the conflict?

800,000 civilians migrated South, and strict moral codes were imposed on women.

What was the political stance of South Vietnam regarding reunification elections?

Diem refused to discuss reunifying elections, opposing a Communist government.

What was the military strategy of the South Vietnamese army (ARVN)?

It relied heavily on American support and training.

What event at the end of WWII strained alliances in Europe?

The end of WWII led to strained alliances.

What military alliance was formed in response to divisions in Europe?

NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) was formed.

What was the primary goal of the US anti-communism policy?

The primary goal was containment of communism.

What was the Marshall Plan?

A US initiative to provide economic aid to help rebuild European economies after WWII.

What theory developed by Eisenhower suggested that the fall of one country to communism would lead to the fall of others?

The domino theory.

What significant event in Asia marked a turning point for US anti-communism in 1949?

China's fall to communism.

What conflict is associated with the US's military involvement in Korea?

The Korean War.

Which country did the USSR recognize as a communist state in 1950?

The Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam).

What was the Bay of Pigs fiasco?

A failed military invasion of Cuba by US-backed Cuban exiles.

What was the Truman Doctrine?

A policy to support free peoples resisting subjugation by armed minorities or outside pressures.

How much financial aid did Truman provide to France in 1950 for the First Indochina War?

US$100 million.

What military group did Truman establish to assist South Vietnam?

Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG).

What phrase did Eisenhower coin that described the fear of communism spreading in Southeast Asia?

The domino theory.

What was the purpose of SEATO, established in 1955?

To assist third world nations in building their economies and resisting communism.

What was Eisenhower's stance on the US involvement in Vietnam after the French failure in 1954?

He saw the US as the defender of democracy in Southeast Asia.

What was the financial aid commitment to the French before the Geneva Accords?

Approximately US$500 million per year.

What did Eisenhower tell Congress in March 1954 regarding Vietnam?

He stated that 'we must not lose' in Vietnam.

What was the focus of US aid to South Vietnam after the Geneva Accords?

Aid focused on the economy, infrastructure, and military.

What theory explains the cause of the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War?

The quagmire theory.

What was the impact of ongoing issues between North and South Vietnam on US involvement?

Ongoing issues continued the US commitment to Vietnam despite initial Cold War tensions.

What was the distinction between Ho Chi Minh as a communist and as a nationalist in US foreign policy?

The US foreign policy did not recognize the subtlety between Ho as a nationalist and as a communist puppet.

What does the quagmire theory suggest about American leaders and the Vietnam War?

It suggests that they unintentionally and mistakenly led the country into the Vietnam War.

What was the impact of Diem's refusal to hold elections in 1956?

The US believed that North Vietnam would win the elections, and Diem's refusal contributed to a lack of popular support.

By 1960, what had Diem done to increase popular support in South Vietnam?

Diem had done nothing to increase the level of popular support.

What was the consequence of Diem treating the population as traitors?

The population turned for help to North Vietnam.

What significant development occurred in May 1959 regarding the Ho Chi Minh Trail?

It became a more permanent supply line to the South.

When was the National Front for the Liberation (NLF) formed?

In December 1960.

What was the purpose of the Agroville strategy?

To limit Viet Cong influence, but it created further discontent among the peasantry.

What was the outcome of the November 1960 attempt to remove Diem?

It was unsuccessful and created a shift of power to Nhu and his wife.

What challenges did John F. Kennedy face when he took office in 1961?

He inherited a failed policy, was young at 43, and was extremely Catholic, which did not sit well with the people.

What was Kennedy's stance on anti-communism regarding South Vietnam?

He campaigned on anti-communism and described South Vietnam as 'the cornerstone of the Free World'.

What foreign policy issues preoccupied Kennedy during his presidency?

The failure of policies in Cuba, which encouraged a focus on Laos and Vietnam.

Who was Robert McNamara and what was his role?

He was the Secretary of Defense, known for his business background and reliance on statistics.

What was Dean Rusk's position and his stance on appeasement?

He was the Secretary of State and opposed appeasement.