Date of Award

Fall 1988

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

History

Committee Director

Lorraine M. Lees

Committee Member

James R. Sweeney

Committee Member

John W. Kuehl

Call Number for Print

Special Collections LD4331.H47R68

Abstract

The thesis examines the 1954 Geneva Conference which appeared to be a turning point in America's foreign policy in Indochina. The Conference was initially held to discuss the Korean War armistice but as the the French position in Indochina deteriorated, the Conference evolved into a French effort to end their Indochina commitment and, thus, the first Indochina war. The role of the Eisenhower administration at Geneva and whether that role was part of a clearly defined foreign policy agenda or a policy that merely reacted to events as they occurred is examined. The thesis shows that a negative attitude toward the Conference resulted in a policy of non-participation with the American delegation in basically an observer status. The thesis also shows the Conference marked a turning point in United States policy toward Indochina in that it became one of active participation in the area rather just one of monetary or material aid to the French.

Rights

In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

DOI

10.25776/swv4-eh32

Download

Share

COinS