The Battle of Dien Bien Phu was a pivotal confrontation in the First Indochina War, fought between French colonial forces and the Viet Minh, a communist-led nationalist movement. Launched on March 13, the battle involved a French garrison stationed at Dien Bien Phu, a valley surrounded by hills in northwestern Vietnam. The French aimed to lure the Viet Minh into a conventional battle and reclaim control in Northern Vietnam. However, under the command of General Vo Nguyen Giap, the Viet Minh surrounded the area with artillery positioned in the mountainous terrain, which allowed them to bombard the French positions effectively.

As the siege progressed, the Viet Minh utilized guerrilla tactics and effective logistics, transporting heavy artillery into the area despite challenging terrain. The French forces, hoping for reinforcements and a quick resolution, faced severe shortages in supplies and drastic reductions in morale. On May 7, after a relentless assault, the Viet Minh stormed the French positions, leading to the surrender of about 11,700 troops. The victory not only established the Viet Minh as a formidable military force but also underscored the challenges of colonial warfare.

The implications of this battle were far-reaching. It led to the Geneva Conference, where negotiations granted Vietnam independence and divided the country at the 17th parallel. This battle was not merely a military defeat for France; it was a psychological blow that indicated the waning influence of European powers in Asia. Henceforth, it fueled anti-colonial sentiments and inspired independence movements worldwide, setting the stage for future conflicts in the region, including the Vietnam War.