“The Viet Minh won the French Indo-China War (1946–1954) because the French were weak.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Candidates will consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that “the Viet Minh won the French-Indo-China War (1946–1954) because the French were weak”. They may adopt a chronological approach that contextualises the war by identifying events and policies prior to the given timeframe, but this must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may offer equal coverage of the Viet Minh and the French, or they may prioritize their assessment of one. However, both aspects will be a feature of the response. A comparative approach may or may not be used. Candidates may refer to the impact of the Second World War, French colonial policy, Vietnamese nationalism and Ho Chi Minh, military leaders, and the campaigns. These need not all be covered or covered equally. While other, relevant, factors such as foreign influences may be referred to, the bulk of the response will remain on the issue raised in the question. Candidates may agree, partly agree or disagree with the statement.