In northwest Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh's Viet Minh forces decisively defeated the French at Dien Bien Phu in 1964, having a momentous impact on the conflict in Indo-China. The victory was disastrous for international and domestic concerns, signalling the end of French colonial influence in Indochina. It also had a major but not decisive impact on the 1952 Geneva conference, clearing the way for the division of Vietnam along the 17th parallel; which in turn would lead to the creation of the National liberation front against the corrupt Diem regime, inevitably catalysing the 2nd Indochina war into play.
In March 1954, Giap began a siege of the French base at Dien Bien Phu, killing 2200 and imprisoning 6500, forcing French forces to surrender. The higher Vietnamese casualties (8000 dead and 15000 wounded) could not disguise that this was a very humiliating defeat for the French. This victory catalysed the realisation that military victory over the Viet Minh would not come easily, nor would it come cheap, as French Commander, Henri Navarre, states; "it struck me immediately that there was no possibility of winning the war in Indochina". This humiliating defeat toppled the French government, and it was becoming increasing difficult to maintain colonial possession over Vietnam. Furthermore, the French public support and faith was sapped and the French Communist Party against the war gained momentum. French Prime minister, Pierre Mendes-France, became determined to end the war quickly to avoid public criticism and uphold his promise of peace. .
Ultimately, the Viet Minh were in a position of strength after their defeat, this was detrimental for the French outcomes in the Geneva conference of May-July 1954. In the aftermath of the defeat, the French lacked the will or capability to impose terms and conditions. The French colonial rule officially ended and they were compelled to accede to the creation of a Communist Vietnam north of the 17th parallel while leaving a non-Communist entity south of that line, "On paper, North and South Vietnam were twin countries born at the same moment.
