Based on McMahon, Major Problems, chapter 4; and Herring, Longest War, 26-75.
The Exercise:  You are one of the main actors: France, the Vietminh, the "State of Vietnam," and the United States.
Meet as a group to discuss and agree on the following points:

1. What is your history/identity:  (Who are you?  What is your recent history?)

2.  How do you assess the other players, their strengths and weaknesses, their roles and motives.  Include the USSR and PRC, as well as the other three "players."

3. What goals did you come into the Geneva conference with.  How satisfied are you with the results. (1954)

4. How satisfied are you with the results (1958)?

You have 20 minutes to discuss this among yourselves. Feel free to use your books for reference. Prepare a brief outline including answers to each of the four questions.  Be prepared to present your report to the class and respond to questions from the class.