VIETNAM AND THE COLD WAR 1945-1954: French Imperial Decline and Defeat at Dien Bien Phu

1-243160

A forensic study of Vietnam's war, imperial history, and international relations in the years following WWII that led into the Cold War and defeat of Western imperialism in Asia. Shows France's attempt to regain imperial glory in her former Asian empire following the humiliation of defeat by the Germans and creation of Vichy. It was an existential struggle on the French side -- the end of cafe society and the gravy train for planters, officials, the military, and politicians. Analyzes General Giap's strategy and tactics along with soldiers' war ground-level accounts. Contains eight black and white illustrations.