1945

• At the end of World War II, the French attempted to reassert control over their former colonies in Southeast Asia, but were fiercely opposed by Chinese-backed Communist forces in Vietnam and Laos.

• Many Hmong were drawn into the new war that engulfed the entire region.

1947

• The Hmong were officially recognized as citizens of Laos.

1954

• During the battle at Dien Bien Phu, Vietnam, about 500 Hmong soldiers were sent from Laos to assist the French.

• They were days away from the front line when the French surrendered to the Communist Viet Minh; this effectively ended French rule in Southeast Asia.

• The Geneva Accords divided Vietnam into two separate countries.

• North Vietnam was formed as a communist country, while South Vietnam, a democracy, soon gained American support after the French relinquished control.

• Within Hmong society, clan leaders became proactive both politically and militarily in the Lao government.