Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1941
Japan sweeps through mainland Southeast Asia during WWII, occupying French Indoch-
ina in cooperation with pro-Vichy France colonial authorities and winning Thailand's sup-
port in return for the promise of territory.
1945
Ho Chi Minh proclaims Vietnamese independence on 2 September in Ba Dinh Sq in Hanoi,
but the French have other ideas, sparking 30 years of warfare, first against the French,
later the Americans.
1953
Cambodia and Laos go it alone with indepen-dence from France; almost insignificant sac-
rifices as the colonial power attempts to cling to control in Vietnam.
1954
French forces surrender en masse to Viet Minh fighters at Dien Bien Phu on 7 May, mark-
ing the end of colonial rule in Indochina.
1955
Cambodia's King Norodom Sihanouk abdicates to enter a career in politics; he founds the
Sangkum Reastr Niyum (People's Socialist Community) and wins the election with ease.
1956
Vietnam remains divided at the 17th parallel into communist North Vietnam, under the
leadership of Ho Chi Minh, and 'free' South Vietnam, under the rule of President Ngo Dinh
Diem.
1959
The Ho Chi Minh Trail, which had been in existence for several years during the war
against the French, reopens for business and becomes the main supply route to the South
for the next 16 years.
1962
The International Court rules in favour of Cambodia in the long-running dispute with Thai-
land over Preah Vihear, perched on the Dangkrek Mountains; it continues to create friction
between the neighbours today.
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