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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.
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.
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.
Because that was the last big show of strength the French had. When they lost the battle, they surrendered.
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.
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When was the Battle of Dien Bien Phu?
The Battle of Dien Bien Phu was fought from March 13 to May 7, 1954, and was the decisive engagement of the First Indochina War (1946-1954), the precursor to the Vietnam War.
What Was Dien Bein Phu?
The battle in 1954 were French forces were defeated .
Fall of dien bien phu?
French forces at Dien Bien Phu fell to the communist Viet Minh May 7th 1954 .
Who fought in the battle of dien bien phu?
The French surrendered to the Viet Minh May 7 , 1954 .
When was the battle of Antietnam?
The Battle of Dien Bien Phu lasted from March 13 to May 7, 1954 .
What are the release dates for Battle for Dien Bien Phu - 1979?
Battle for Dien Bien Phu - 1979 was released on: USA: 1979
What city in Vietnam did the french loose in 1954?
The Battle of Dien Bien Phu in North Vietnam in 1954.
When was the Battle of Dien Bien Phu?
The Battle of Dien Bien Phu was fought from March 13 to May 7, 1954, and was the decisive engagement of the First Indochina War (1946-1954), the precursor to the Vietnam War.
Who is dien bien phu?
Dien Bien Phu is a place in Northwestern Vietnam .
Where did the French lost the battle of Vietminh at?
Dien Bien Phu
Where did the french loose there battle in 1954?
Dien Bien Phu
What year did the battle of dien bien phu end?
1954
What was the role of Dien Bien Phu on both sides of Vietnam?
The battle of Dien Bien Phu is a representative symbol of freedom from colonial rule and Western influence .
What army was beaten at Dien Bien Phu in 1956?
The French in 1954 were defeated at the battle of Dien Bien Phu March 13 - May 7, 1954 .
What was Den Bien Phu?
Dien Bien Phu was the battle in 1954 where the French were defeated by opposing Viet Minh forces .
How long did the Battle of Dien Bien Phu last?
The battle for Dien Bien Phu (13 March - 7 May 1954) lasted 1 month, 3 weeks and 3 days .
What was the colonial power that lost battle of dien bien phu?
France .
