Explore one of the most decisive battles of the 20th century: the Battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954. This course examines how Vietnamese forces defeated the French and transformed regional history. We analyse the strategies of both sides, the leadership of General Vo Nguyen Giap, and the broader context of post-war decolonisation. A compelling study of conflict, strategy and the end of European colonial dominance in Southeast Asia.

DELIVERY MODE

Hybrid (face to face and online simultaneously)

COURSE OUTLINE

• The situation at the end of WW2 - Ho Chi Minh a US ally
• The deal with the French and the guerilla war
• Dien Bien Phu – Giap’s masterpiece
• The legacy of Dien Bien Phu

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Understand the reasons for the French Indo-Chinese War
• Follow the course of the war and how it led to this decisive battle
• Understand the tactics and actions of both sides and why the Viet Minh won
• See the development of the “American War”.

COURSE RESOURCES

The Road to Dien Bien Phu: A History of the First War for Vietnam by Christopher Goscha