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Laos
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Laos is granted limited self-government within the French Union.
A Communist Laotian movement, Pathet Lao, is formed in North Vietnam. It hopes to fight for independence from the French. In 1953, the Pathet Lao supported by Viet Minh soldiers from Vietnam, invade Laos and take over parts of North Laos.
Laos gains full sovereignty and becomes a member of the United Nations. The new nation faces civil war as Pathet Lao guerrilla forces continue attacking central Laos.
The Geneva Conference of 1954 provides for the withdrawal of foreign troops from Laos, and the establishment of Pathet Lao in two northern provinces. In the meantime, talks are underway to include Pathet Lao in the formation of a coalition government.
The United States, afraid that an inclusion of Pathet Lao in the government would encourage the spread of communism in Southeast Asia, support a right-wing anti-Communist group in ousting the existing government.
The coalition government collapses. Pathet Lao returns to guerilla warfare. A power struggle ensues between the Communist Pathet Lao, the right wing government recognised by Western countries, and the neutralist government recognised by the Soviet Union.
A cease-fire is agreed upon. An international conference convenes in Geneva to produce an agreement providing for the neutrality of Laos under a unified government. Souvanna Phouma of the neutralist government is put as head of this coalition government.
The Pathet Lao attacks the unified government of Souvanna Phouma. They get supplies and troops from North Vietnam.
The United States begins secret bombing of Laos. They target both the North Vietnamese forces along sections of the Ho Chi Minh Trail and the Communist Pathet Lao guerrillas in the northern part of the country. Pathet Lao activities decrease.
South Vietnamese and US troops attempt to cut off the Ho Chi Minh trail, a North Vietnamese supply route through East Laos. They are unsuccessful in their attempt.
After continued heavy fighting in Laos, another cease-fire is declared. An agreement is reached in September that provides for the formation of a third coalition government under Souvanna Phouma, and the stationing of an equal number of government and Pathet Lao troops in the two capitals.
The Pathet Lao take control of the country. In December they abolish the monarchy and set up the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
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