The French Indochina War:  1945-1955

Description:

In this unit we look at the causes and course of the French Indochina war from the end of World War Two in 1945 through to the creation of the Geneva Accords in 1954 and the creation of North Vietnam and South Vietnam in 1955. One of the big problems facing historians seeking to understand this period in history is the complex nature and fluid dynamics of power that undergirded events.  This has often given rise to a variety of competing interpretations of persons, circumstances and events which have been further compromised by distortions introduced to the analysis by various stakeholders. In the workbook we turn to an examination of how to identify and otherwise deal with point-of-view and bias in historical narratives with a particular focus on the French Indochina War and the issues and concepts that historians face in attempting to create authentic interpretations of the period.

Unit Skills and Objectives:

• Develop an understanding of Vietnamese history from 200 BC up until the French Indochina war
• Develop an appreciation of   the French Indochina War:  1945-1955 and issues surrounding it
• Develop an understanding of the causes and course of the French Indochina War
• Develop an understanding of the role metanarratives have in creating models of History and making historical judgements
• Develop online computer research skills in a range of settings
• Develop Geography skills to enhance historical understanding
• Record research findings in a systematic and appropriate manner
• Read, listen and view a range of historical sources
• Write about history and historical sources
• Critically analyze and evaluate historical sources
• Make informed and reasoned historical judgements
• Document Study:  critical interpretation, analysis and evaluation

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• Write a film review