This battle was part of the First Indochina war, a war between Indochina (primarily Vietnam) and France. The French were fighting to stay involved with Indochina, and keep their authority there. Yet, Ho Chi Minh (the communist leader at the time in Vietnam) and his army the Viet Minh planned on overthrowing the French and taking all of Vietnam, primarily the North, for themselves. This later affected the United States, for the First Indochina war ended the same year that the Vietnam war began between the United States and Northern Vietnam. The United States hoped to fight and stomp out the Northern communist rule and bring the country together in peace, as allies with Southern Vietnam. The Battle of Dien Bien Phu, took place at the end of the war in a defeat for the French. The commonly supported Viet Minh had advanced on the French, in an attempt to cut off supply forces to the Viet Minh by the French they invaded a small city called Dien Bien Phu. The Viet Minh had already secured connections by air and anticipated the French attack, surrounding the French and breaking down their line. The French were desperate for an end to the war and came to a settlement at the Geneva Conference.
Below is a link to a video explaining and showing the Battle of Dien Bien Phu
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/media/72050/With-the-defeat-of-the-French-at-the-Battle-of?topicId=162678
Below is a link to a video explaining and showing the Battle of Dien Bien Phu
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/media/72050/With-the-defeat-of-the-French-at-the-Battle-of?topicId=162678