Question

The government of Bao Dai in South Vietnam was a supporter of which of the following ?

• A. China
• B. Spain
• C. France
• D. Portugal

Hint:

In the context of the Indochina Wars, remember that Bao Dai was associated with the colonial power, France, while his main rival, Ho Chi Minh, led the nationalist and communist independence movement against the French.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks about the political alignment of Bao Dai's government during the period of decolonization in Vietnam.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{Bao Dai was the last emperor of the Nguyen dynasty in Vietnam.} \\ \bullet & \text{After World War II, Vietnam was in a struggle for independence from its colonial ruler, France.} \\ \bullet & \text{In 1949, during the First Indochina War against the communist-led Viet Minh, the French established the State of Vietnam as a client state within the French Union and installed Bao Dai as its head of state.} \\ \bullet & \text{Therefore, Bao Dai's government was a French-backed entity, created to serve as an anti-communist alternative and to legitimize continued French influence in the region.} \\ \end{array}\]

Step 3: Final Answer:
The government of Bao Dai in South Vietnam was a supporter of France.