# First Indochina War begins (1946)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/1946-first-indochina-war-begins
Location: Indochina
Categories: battle

War erupted between France and the Viet Minh over colonial rule and Vietnamese independence. Within the broader Occupation, Liberation & Fourth Republic period, Defeat in 1940 divided France between Vichy, occupation and resistance. Liberation restored republican government, followed by reconstruction, welfare-state building, European integration and violent decolonization under the Fourth Republic. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Charles de Gaulle (Leader of Free France / Provisional Government). First Indochina War begins mattered because it changed the military or territorial balance and influenced the political choices that followed. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
First Indochina War begins mattered because it changed the military or territorial balance and influenced the political choices that followed.

Ruler at the time: [Charles de Gaulle](https://history-france.com/rulers/charles-de-gaulle-1940)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — First Indochina War begins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=First+Indochina+War+begins&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — First Indochina War begins](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=First+Indochina+War+begins)
- [Vie-publique — French institutions and history](https://www.vie-publique.fr/)