13. Old Roots
The seeds of the Vietnam War were sown during WWII when the Japanese occupied French Indochina, encountering resistance from the communist-led Viet Minh. Supported by the Allies, notably the USA, the Soviet Union, and China, the Viet Minh became a formidable force.

After the war, they seized a significant cache of Japanese weapons and rejected the reinstatement of French control, leading to conflict with France. This struggle, fueled by Soviet and Chinese support, culminated in Vietnam’s bifurcation in 1950 into communist North and anti-communist South Vietnam. Despite the French’s efforts, with Allied backing, to maintain influence in the South, they ultimately withdrew in 1954, setting the stage for further conflict in the region.