Uploaded May 2024 | Updated September 2026, 4 days ago
Today marks the 70th anniversary of the Viet Minh victory over French colonial forces at Dien Bien Phu in 1954. The battle brought an end to French colonial rule in Indochina. It was one of the most important events in anti-colonial twentieth century history - and its strategic lessons continue to be taught in military colleges.
I shot this video 10 years ago. It gives an idea of the spectacular setting that was destined to become known for a battle. By 1954, with Cold War tensions rising, the United States was largely funding France's doomed campaign to hold on to its imperial possessions. The Chinese were increasingly invested in Ho Chi Minh's campaign. The "domino theory" began to define US policy. Dien Bien Phu was a terrible foretaste of the catastrophe that rolled on till 1975.
I shot this Dien Bien Phu guide a decade ago and have continued to visit often - most recently on our Vietnam by the Book tour a few weeks ago. Vietnam by the Book is a 16 day tour of Vietnam focused around 3 books. For more, head over to lnkd.in/dzYEYhHz
For our independent travel guide to Dien Bien Phu, head over to Rusty Compass
rustycompass.com/vietnam-travel-guide-233/dien-bien-phu-17
#history #travel #books #Vietnam #dienbienphu #oldcompasstravel
Today marks the 70th anniversary of the Viet Minh victory over French colonial forces at Dien Bien Phu in 1954. The battle brought an end to French colonial rule in Indochina. It was one of the most important events in anti-colonial twentieth century history - and its strategic lessons continue to be taught in military colleges.
I shot this video 10 years ago. It gives an idea of the spectacular setting that was destined to become known for a battle. By 1954, with Cold War tensions rising, the United States was largely funding France's doomed campaign to hold on to its imperial possessions. The Chinese were increasingly invested in Ho Chi Minh's campaign. The "domino theory" began to define US policy. Dien Bien Phu was a terrible foretaste of the catastrophe that rolled on till 1975.
I shot this Dien Bien Phu guide a decade ago and have continued to visit often - most recently on our Vietnam by the Book tour a few weeks ago. Vietnam by the Book is a 16 day tour of Vietnam focused around 3 books. For more, head over to lnkd.in/dzYEYhHz
For our independent travel guide to Dien Bien Phu, head over to Rusty Compass
rustycompass.com/vietnam-travel-guide-233/dien-bien-phu-17
#history #travel #books #Vietnam #dienbienphu #oldcompasstravel
