Chapter 16 : THE RESISTANCE WAR AGAINST FRANCE
In its early days, the DRVN (Democratic Republic of Viet Nam) had to deal with three major enemies: famine, illiteracy and foreign invaders. President Hồ Chí Minh and the young government took measures to educate starvation and illiteracy by launching the Golden Week, calling upon people to save the tiniest morsels of food and share food with the most needy, opening mass education classes, and boosting production. However, French contrived to occupy Vietnam once again. On 23 September 1945, the French waged a war to re-conquer the South of Vietnam and since November 1946 on, they openly staged many armed conflicts throughout Vietnam.
In such circumstances, President Hồ Chí Minh signed a decree starting a resistance war and broadcasted the Appeal for Nationwide Resistance War. Since 19 December 1946, the entire Vietnam entered a long anti-French struggle. Under the excellent command of General Võ Nguyên Giáp (1911-2013), Vietnamese army and people won victories in the campaigns of Việt Bắc (1947) and Biên giới (Borderline)(1950). After the world-shaking Điện Biên Phủ battle (1954), the French had to sign the Geneva Accords on 21 July 1954. Peace was recovered in three Indochinese countries – Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.
Next resistance war and next chapter here.
VIETNAM – A BRIEF HISTORY IN PICTURES
Compiled by: HIẾU MINH – HUYỀN TRANG (in Vietnamese language)
With an introduction of Historian DƯƠNG TRUNG QUỐC
Illustrated by TẠ HUY LONG
Translated by: NGUYỄN XUÂN HỒNG
P/s: Completed by the volunteers: Nguyễn Ngọc Bích – Second-year student of Foreign Trade University; Takanori Kano from Japan; Antoine Roels from Belgium; Linh – The coordinator of SJ Vietnam.
