Write a brief note on Dien Bien Phu.

The French commander in Indo-China, G N Navarre's plan had backfired at Dien Bien Phu.
(i)At Dien Bien Phu the French were outwitted by the Vietminh forces led by General Vo Nguyen Giap.

(ii) The French Commander, Navarre, had not thought of all the problems he would face in the battle. The valley where French garrisons were located was flooded in the monsoon and the area was covered with bushes, making it difficult to move troops and tanks, or trake the Vietminh’s anti-aircraft guns hidden in the jungle.

(iii) From their base in the hills, the Vietminh surrounded the French garrisons in the valley below, digging trenches and tunnels to move without being detected. Supplies and reinforcements could not at reach the besieged French garrison, the wounded French soldiers could not be moved, and the French airstrip became unusable because of continuous artillery fire.

(iv) Dien Bien Phu became a very important symbol of struggle. It strengthened Vietminh conviction in their capacity to fight powerful imperial forces through determination and proper strategy. Stories of the battle were retold in villages and cities to inspire people.

Tips: -

V. Imp.