What are the causes of the battle Dien Bien phu?

Answer 1

The French wanted to destroy the Viet Minh in a set-piece (conventional) battle. They under-estimated the Viet Minh, when the communists managed to emplace field guns (artillery) around the French garrison (compound). The French had made their operation plans believing that enemy cannon (guns) could not be emplaced in such rugged terrain...so quickly, and efficiently. Consequently, Dien Bien Phu was pounded mercilessly.

Answer 2

For close to ten years, the French had been fighting the Viet Minh. The last year of the war, 1954, the French military decided to establish a base in an area that would interrupt the communist supply system and at the same time draw them into a "set piece" (conventional) battle that would destroy them. The area selected was Dien Bien Phu, located in the former North Vietnam. Rule number #1: NEVER underestimate the enemy. The French did not believe the Viet Minh would be able to emplace field guns (artillery)in the surrounding hillsides. The terrain was rough and wooded. The Viet Minh did, and all around the French. The French were now in the same position as the US Marines would be nearly 15 years later, at Khe Sanh. The French did NOT have the "B-52" bombers...they surrendered at Dien Bien Phu. The "B-52's" saved the US Marines at Khe Sanh in 1968. Rule number2: NEVER rely on air resupply. Protect your supply line. Air drops aren't reliable and it's hard to maintain adequate tonnage. The British made that mistake with Market-Garden in 1944, and the USMC faced the same issue at Khe Sanh.

Answer 3

The battle effectively led to the end of the First Indochina War due to the losses sustained by the French and the political fallout that it the loss caused (primarily poor planning of combat operations by the French and loss of prestige). French leadership resigned and the new Prime Minister supported withdrawal of French troops.

Answer 4

Because that was the last big show of strength the French had. When they lost the battle, they surrendered.

Answer 5

The Battle of Dien Bien Phu was significant because it was the end of French Rule Indochina. In addition, it was the beginning of the civil war between South and North Vietnam.

Answer 6

The battle for Dien Bien Phu began 13 March 1954 and ended 7 May 1954 .