Geneva in History

Vietnam had been partitioned at the Geneva Conference after the defeat of the French Union forces at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, with the State of Vietnam ruling the country south of the 17th parallel. The partition was intended to be temporary, with national elections scheduled for 1956 to create a Government of a reunified nation

The partition was intended to be temporary, with national elections scheduled for 1956 to create a Government of a reunified nation

Vietnam had been partitioned at the Geneva Conference after the defeat of the French Union forces at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, with the State of Vietnam ruling the country south of the 17th parallel

Vietnam had been partitioned at the Geneva Conference after the defeat of the French Union forces at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, with the State of Vietnam ruling the country south of the 17th parallel

The Geneva Conference partitions Vietnam at the 17th parallel. The Geneva Conference appoints Ngo Dinh Diem President of Vietnam

Both China and the Soviet Union, for their own strategic reasons, refused to back the Viet Minh claim to govern all of Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh’s chief negotiator, Pham Van Dong, chose not to align too closely with Moscow or Beijing, preferring that North Vietnam remain in charge of its own destiny

Represents the SVN during the signing of the Geneva Accords

Both China and the Soviet Union, for their own strategic reasons, refused to back the Viet Minh claim to govern all of Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh’s chief negotiator, Pham Van Dong, chose not to align too closely with Moscow or Beijing, preferring that North Vietnam remain in charge of its own destiny

Represents the DRV during the signing of the Geneva Accords

Opening day of the Geneva Conference to discuss peace in Vietnam

The Viet Minh delegates did not wish to sign: they sceptical about the scheduled 1956 elections and reluctant to agree to the 17th parallel border, which would mean surrendering territory to the South. In the end the Viet Minh representatives signed on the instructions of Ho Chi Minh, who was himself under pressure from the Soviet Union and China

Dien Bien Phu victory strengthens Vietnam's position at Geneva

A ceasefire with France is agreed

This record states: A ceasefire with France is agreed.

This record states: Agrees to temporarily divide Vietnam in half pending elections unite Vietnam.

This record states: Despite general agreement the "Final Declaration" is not signed.

This record states: French troops be withdraw from north Vietnam & the Vietminh will withdraw from the sth.

This record states: South Vietnam, Laos & Kampuchea will become independent states protected by SEATO.

This record states: Territory north of the 17th Parallel will go to the Government of Ho Chi Minh.

This record states: The US does not want to recognize Beijing & Hanoi.

This record states: Vietnam is partitioned above latitude 17 degrees north.

Agrees to temporarily divide Vietnam in half pending elections unite Vietnam

Vietnam is partitioned above latitude 17 degrees north

Rejects the Geneva accords & the elections, a decision backed up by the USA. Diem refuses to hold the reunification elections, pointing out that the State of Vietnam had not signed the Geneva Accords

Rejects the Geneva accords & the elections, a decision backed up by the USA. Diem refuses to hold the reunification elections, pointing out that the State of Vietnam had not signed the Geneva Accords