Vietnam The 17th Parallel Arbitrary Borders: A History of the Demilitarized Zone

Vietnam: The 17th Parallel (Arbitrary Borders)

by Robert C. Cottrell

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2161 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	138 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

The 17th parallel is a line of latitude that runs through Vietnam. It was chosen as the boundary between North and South Vietnam in 1954, after the First Indochina War. The parallel became a symbol of the Cold War division between communism and capitalism.

The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) was a buffer zone that was created along the 17th parallel. It was intended to prevent conflict between North and South Vietnam. However, the DMZ was often violated by both sides.

The 17th parallel and the DMZ played a major role in the Vietnam War. The war began in 1955, when North Vietnam launched an invasion of South Vietnam. The war lasted for 20 years and ended with the reunification of Vietnam in 1975.

The Creation of the 17th Parallel

The 17th parallel was chosen as the boundary between North and South Vietnam by the Geneva Accords of 1954. The accords ended the First Indochina War and divided Vietnam into two separate countries.

The 17th parallel was chosen as the boundary because it was the approximate midpoint of Vietnam. It was also a relatively sparsely populated area.

The creation of the 17th parallel was a major turning point in Vietnamese history. It divided the country into two separate countries and set the stage for the Vietnam War.

The Demilitarized Zone

The DMZ was a buffer zone that was created along the 17th parallel. It was intended to prevent conflict between North and South Vietnam. The DMZ was 5 kilometers wide and 250 kilometers long.

The DMZ was patrolled by the International Control Commission (ICC). The ICC was a group of observers from India, Canada, and Poland. The ICC was responsible for monitoring the DMZ and reporting any violations.

The DMZ was often violated by both North and South Vietnam. North Vietnam used the DMZ to infiltrate South Vietnam with troops and supplies. South Vietnam used the DMZ to launch attacks on North Vietnam.

The Vietnam War

The Vietnam War began in 1955, when North Vietnam launched an invasion of South Vietnam. The war lasted for 20 years and ended with the reunification of Vietnam in 1975.

The 17th parallel and the DMZ played a major role in the Vietnam War. The war began with North Vietnam's invasion of South Vietnam across the 17th parallel. The DMZ was a major battleground throughout the war.

The Vietnam War was one of the most devastating wars in history. It is estimated that 3 million people were killed in the war.

The Reunification of Vietnam

The Vietnam War ended in 1975 with the reunification of Vietnam. North and South Vietnam were merged into a single country. The 17th parallel and the DMZ ceased to exist.

The reunification of Vietnam was a major turning point in Vietnamese history. It ended the long and bloody war that had divided the country.

The 17th parallel and the DMZ were major symbols of

Vietnam: The 17th Parallel (Arbitrary Borders)

by Robert C. Cottrell

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2161 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	138 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE