Synopses & Reviews
"
Vietnam 1946 is a masterful narrative of the immediate origins of the first Vietnam War. It is, by turns, vivid and shocking; it is always immensely revealing. Tand#248;nnesson brings forensic clarity to crucial events about which, even now, some sixty years later, fundamental misapprehensions exist. An outstanding work of scholarship of major international importance."and#151;Martin Thomas, author of
Empires of Intelligence"Tand#248;nnesson captures brilliantly the 1946 confrontation between two republics: France determined to redeem itself from Axis humiliation by regaining Indochina; Vietnam equally determined to retake independence after eighty years of colonial servitude. Tand#248;nnesson also demonstrates, however, that some leaders on each side really wanted a peaceful, mutually beneficial outcome. Descent into full-scale war was not inevitable. This is a carefully researched, clearly written analysis of a vital moment in the 20th century history of both countries. It is also a meditation on the elusive boundary between free will and determinism in human affairs."and#151;David Marr, author of Vietnamese Tradition on Trial, 1920-1945
and#147;Stein Tand#248;nnesson's Vietnam 1946 answers the fundamental question about the first of Vietnam's 20th century wars, the one fought against the French: how did it happen? He has written a meticulously researched account which restores their contingency to the events. The first Indochina war, like those that succeeded it, was not inevitable and Tand#248;nnesson explains why and how it happened anyway.and#8221;and#151;Marilyn Young, author of The Vietnam Wars 1945-1990
Review
and#8220;A marvelous read. Tand#248;nnesson writes deftly and lucidly. His analysis sparkles with gems of detail and insight.and#8221;
Review
and#8220;A finely layered and textured book at the intersections of international, French and Vietnamese history.and#8221;
Review
"An authoritative account."--Contemporary Southeast Asia
Review
“An authoritative account.” Qiang Zhai
Review
and#8220;An authoritative account.and#8221;
Synopsis
Based on multiarchival research conducted over almost three decades, this landmark account tells how a few men set off a war that would lead to tragedy for millions. Stein Tand#248;nnesson was one of the first historians to delve into scores of secret French, British, and American political, military, and intelligence documents. In this fascinating account of an unfolding tragedy, he brings this research to bear to disentangle the complex web of events, actions, and mentalities that led to thirty years of war in Indochina. As the story unfolds, Tand#248;nnesson challenges some widespread misconceptions, arguing that French general Leclerc fell into a Chinese trap in March 1946, and Vietnamese general Giap into a French trap in December. Taking us from the antechambers of policymakers in Paris to the docksides of Haiphong and the streets of Hanoi, Vietnam 1946 provides the most vivid account to date of the series of events that would make Vietnam the most embattled area in the world during the Cold War period.
About the Author
Stein Tand#248;nnesson was Director of the International Peace Research Institute in Oslo, Norway, from 2001 to 2009. He is author of The Vietnamese Revolution of 1945: Roosevelt, Ho Chi Minh and de Gaulle in a World at War among other books.
Table of Contents
List of illustrations
Foreword by the series editors
Foreword by Philippe Devillers
Acknowledgments
List of abbreviations
Introduction
1. A Clash of Republics
2. The Chinese Trap
3. Modus Vivendi
4. Massacre
5. The French Trap
6. Who Turned Out the Lights?
7. If Only . . .
Notes
Glossary
Bibliography
Index