Vietminh
A member of a communist-dominated nationalist movement that was formed in 1941. They fought for independence in Vietnam from French rule. They later joined with the Vietcong.
Ho Chi Minh
Leader of the North Vietnamese when war with America broke out.
Vo Nguyen Giap
General for the Vietnam forces and most senior military commander in the Vietnam War.
Battle of Dien Bien Phu
Where General Giap defeated French forces. A ceasefire was agreed at Geneva that split Vietnam at the 17th Parallel. The French withdrew their men from Vietnam and the US promised aid worth $100 million to the anti-communist Ngo Dinh Diem.
Ngo Dinh Diem
Anti-communist and pro-American man who became President of South Vietnam in 1955.
Guerrilla Warfare
A form of warfare used by small groups that uses tactics such as ambushes, sabotage, raids, hit-and-runs, and using mobility to fight a larger traditional military.