Question

Which two independent nations does the 17th Parallel separate

• A. North and South Korea
• B. North and South Vietnam
• C. East and West Germany
• D. Mexico and Panama

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understand the question
The question is about the 17th Parallel, which historically acted as a dividing line between two regions. We need to identify which independent nations it separated.

Step 2: Historical background
- After the Geneva Conference in 1954, Vietnam was divided into two parts at the 17th Parallel north latitude.
- This division created two separate political entities:
1. North Vietnam (Democratic Republic of Vietnam), led by Ho Chi Minh.
2. South Vietnam (Republic of Vietnam), supported by Western powers, mainly the United States.
- The split was originally intended to be temporary until elections could be held, but tensions and ideological conflicts prevented reunification.

Step 3: Importance of the 17th Parallel
- It symbolized the division between communism and anti-communism during the Cold War.
- The separation later became the central cause for the Vietnam War (1955–1975).
- It highlighted the global struggle between opposing ideologies during that era.

Step 4: Final justification
The 17th Parallel clearly separated North Vietnam and South Vietnam, making the answer straightforward.

Final Answer: The correct option is (B): North and South Vietnam.