7) What defined the border between North Vietnarn and South Vietnam? A. Mekong River B. 38 th Parallel C. Saigon River D. 17 th Parallel E. It was a straight line exactly halfway between the northern tip and the southern tip of the country

The border between North Vietnam and South Vietnam was defined by the 17th Parallel, established in 1954 after the Geneva Conference. This division came about following the end of French colonial rule in Indochina and was intended to be a temporary measure, leading up to the eventual reunification of Vietnam under a neutral and democratic government. However, it solidified the ideological divide that would fuel continued conflict in the region. To further understand the impact of this division, it's fascinating to note that both North and South Vietnam developed distinct political, economic, and cultural systems. North Vietnam, under communist leadership, sought to unite the country under its ideology, while South Vietnam leaned towards capitalism and pro-Western policies. This divergence played a significant role during the Vietnam War, as each side rallied support both domestically and internationally, ultimately shaping the course of modern Vietnamese history.