The First Indochina War marked a significant conflict between French colonial authorities and the Viet Minh, a nationalist and communist-led coalition aiming to gain autonomy and independence for Vietnam. The war was rooted in Vietnam’s struggle against French colonialism, which had intensified after World War II when France sought to reassert control over its former colonies. On December 19, 1946, the situation escalated dramatically when the Viet Minh launched an attack against French forces in Hanoi, signaling the onset of a full-scale war. Ho Chi Minh emerged as the leading figure for Vietnamese independence, promoting the cause through both military means and diplomatic channels.

As fighting spread throughout the northern provinces and beyond, the Viet Minh utilized guerilla tactics and gained popular support among the rural population, bolstered by grievances against French exploitation. The French responded with heavy military reprisals, leading to significant casualties on both sides. International dynamics also played a role; as the war progressed, the Cold War context shaped foreign interest and involvement, with both the United States and China observing the situation closely.
This protracted conflict would ultimately culminate in the decisive Battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954, leading to the Geneva Accords, which divided Vietnam into North and South, setting the stage for further conflict in the region.