Final answer:
The correct chronological order starts with H-o Chi Minh's victory at Dien Bien Phu, followed by Vietnam's division at the 17th parallel as per the Geneva Accords, and ends with the French withdrawal from Indochina.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct sequence of events involving Vietnam's path to independence and subsequent partition begins with the Vietnamese, under the leadership of H-o Chi Minh, winning a significant victory against French colonial forces at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954. Following their defeat, the French government decided to withdraw from Indochina. This led to the peace treaty known as the Geneva Accords, which resulted in Vietnam being temporarily divided along the 17th parallel into North and South Vietnam, with the expectation of national reunification elections in 1956 which, however, never took place due to South Vietnam's refusal to participate.