The Battle of Dien Bien Phu

Paper Summary:

This paper aims to show that, despite popular opinion, the selection by French High Command of Dien Bien Phu as a massed defense against the Communist forces of the Viet Minh was ultimately based on the best evidence available. It briefly sketches the events leading up to the battle of Dien Bien Phu, including a general look at the first Indochinese war of 1946-1954, and an analysis of the decisions made by the French high command leading up to the actual establishment of the base at Dien Bien Phu. It also provides an understanding of the French political climate in the metropolis after the Second World War.

From the Paper:

"When high command succeeded in evacuating Na Son without any problems, the last in a series of events gelled together to make the example of Na Son one worth repeating, at least to General Navarre. After the furious assault subsides, Na San is evacuated without incident. In order to confuse the several battalions of Viet Minh still established around the base, elaborate preparations were carried out. False radio communiques, parachute drops, use of civilian airplanes, and intense fighter and bomber cover were all employed to achieve a full evacuation. All this could not have occurred, however, if a small problem hadn't manifested itself when it did. "

More papers on The Battle of Dien Bien Phu:

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