Our resident historian Dr. John Foster discusses the French war in Indochina from 1945 to 1954 when the French government sought to reimpose colonial rule in Vietnam. However, they met fierce resistance from homegrown anticolonial forces calling themselves the Viet Minh. Foster examines the goals and choices of the many nations involved, including the United States.

This talk is the second program in a year-long lecture series on The Vietnam Wars. The first lecture in Foster’s series – which was on the long history of European colonialism in Vietnam – can be watched in its entirety online on our website.

The next talk in his series will be Thursday, July 8. It will discuss America’s involvement in Vietnam from 1956 to 1963.

In addition to being a reference librarian, Foster has a doctorate degree in history. He has taught history at both high school and college levels. Previously, he has led series on the Battles of World War IIthe Cold Warthe American Revolution and US Presidents of the 20th Century at the library.