The Battle of Dien Bien Phu took place from March to May 1954 in northern Vietnam. It was a significant conflict between the French colonial forces and the Viet Minh, a communist-led nationalist group. The French aimed to establish a stronghold in the region, but the Viet Minh surrounded the base and launched a series of attacks. After weeks of intense fighting, the French forces surrendered on May 7, 1954. This defeat marked the end of French colonial rule in Indochina and led to the Geneva Accords, which divided Vietnam into North Vietnam and South Vietnam. The battle significantly influenced the course of the Vietnam War.