Why was it so hard for the French to defeat the Vietnamese in open combat?
The French were unable to slow the advance of the Viet Minh, who fell back only after outrunning their always-tenuous supply lines. In 1953, the French had begun to strengthen their defenses in the Hanoi delta region to prepare for a series of offensives against Viet Minh staging areas in northwest Vietnam.
Why was the US concerned when France lost control of French Indochina?
2. Why was the USA concerned when France lost control of French-Indo China? With France removed from the area, the concern was that the vacuum would create an atmosphere where Communism would replace the French control of the region.
What planes were flown in the Vietnam War?
10 Best Fighter Jets of the Vietnam War
- Douglas A-4 Skyhawk.
- LTV A-7 Corsair II.
- McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II.
- Republic F-105 Thunderchief.
- Vought F-8 Crusader.
- Northrop F-5 Tiger II.
- Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15.
- Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17.
Why did Japan take over French Indochina?
The main objective of the Japanese was to prevent China from importing arms and fuel through French Indochina along the Kunming–Hai Phong Railway, from the Indochinese port of Haiphong, through the capital of Hanoi to the Chinese city of Kunming in Yunnan.
Did the French Foreign Legion serve in Vietnam?
The units stationed in the valley had to fight on its own. Some 6,000 reliable French troops (many African troops or Vietnamese auxiliaries preferred desertion to fighting) against more than 55,000 Viet Minh soldiers.
How much money did the US give France in Vietnam?
$2.6 billion
The United States first began asserting itself in Vietnam’s affairs during the French-Indochina war. The United States gave France $2.6 billion over the next decade to help the country re-establish rule in Vietnam.
Were F 15s used in Vietnam?
The F-15 can trace its origins to the early Vietnam War, when the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy fought each other over future tactical aircraft. Defense Secretary Robert McNamara was pressing for both services to use as many common aircraft as possible, even if performance compromises were involved.
Why did the U.S. lose so many aircraft in Vietnam?
Among the first USAF losses were more Firebees. By mid-1965, several manned aircraft were lost due to ground fire, lack of fuel, mishaps, and other causes, and many aircrews were already prisoners of war. The increasing pace of flights provided a target-rich environment for North Vietnam.
Who funded the Viet Cong?
Elections were planned to reunite the country within two years, but Diem, with U.S. approval, never submitted to a vote that he feared losing. Instead, a communist insurgency broke out, pitting the so-called Viet Cong, who were sponsored by North Vietnam, against Diem’s forces.
Did the French have an Air Force in Indochina?
Prior to the Second World War, the French Armée de l’Air (air force) and Aéronnautique Naval or Aéronavale (naval air force) had maintained only token units in Indochina. Most of the aircraft there were obsolete, consisting of 1925-vintage biplanes.
What was the air war over Indochina like?
The air war over Indochina was a decidedly one-sided affair. The Viet Minh did not have the ability to operate an air force, especially one with modern jet fighters. Nor did Mao offer them one. This was just as well for the French, who relied on slower propeller-driven aircraft throughout the conflict.
How many planes did the French have in WW2?
At the outbreak of the war in 1939, the French had about 100 aircraft, of which just 13 were modern fighters. These accounted for 20 Thai aircraft during the brief border war with Thailand, but they could do nothing to counter the powerful Japanese air force.
What did the French Air Force do in Vietnam?
The French Air Force command was organized into four regional headquarters to support operations throughout Vietnam. Aircraft performed traditional reconnaissance, ground-support bombing and strafing, and airlift activities.