French Indochina (Vietnam)

Definition

A grouping of French colonial territories in Southeast Asia, including what is now Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. It existed from 1887 to 1954.

Analogy

Imagine if a powerful neighbor took over your house and started making all the rules (that's France). After many years, you manage to kick them out and reclaim your house (that's Vietnam).

Related terms

Decolonization: The process by which colonies become independent of the colonizing country. In our analogy, it’s like finally getting rid of that bossy neighbor.

Ho Chi Minh: He was a Vietnamese revolutionary leader who was prime minister (1945–1955) and president (1945–1969) of North Vietnam. He led the fight for independence - he'd be like the brave sibling who stands up to the bossy neighbor.

Geneva Accords: An agreement reached in Geneva on July 21, 1954, that ended the First Indochina War. This is like an official document stating that your house is yours again after kicking out that bossy neighbor.