Which two conflicting sides were established as a result of the Geneva Convention's division in Vietnam?

The division of Vietnam as a result of the Geneva Conventions in 1954 created two distinct regions: North Vietnam and South Vietnam. This split was established as a temporary measure to facilitate the withdrawal of French colonial forces and to set the stage for national elections, which were intended to unify the country.

North Vietnam, led by the communist government under Ho Chi Minh, adopted a socialist model and sought to reunify Vietnam under this government. In contrast, South Vietnam was supported by anti-communist forces and initially led by President Ngo Dinh Diem. The division was marked by significant ideological differences and eventually led to a protracted conflict as both sides aimed to assert their governance over the whole of Vietnam.

Other options do not accurately reflect the situation resulting from the Geneva Convention. For instance, the terms "East and West Vietnam" do not correspond to the historical context, as the division was explicitly North (communist) and South (anti-communist). Characters such as Ho Chi Minh and Bao-Diem represent leadership figures rather than distinct sides, and Vietnam and Laos refer to two separate countries rather than conflicting sides within Vietnam itself.