Celebrating the 66th anniversary of August Revolution and National Day September 2nd

(Baonghean) - The August Revolution in 1945 in Vietnam took place with little bloodshed and won quickly (within 15 days, from August 14 to 28), prepared by the entire Party and people for 15 years (since the Party was founded) and resulted in the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam - the first worker-peasant state in Southeast Asia. Assessing this success, people highly value the element of seizing the opportunity of the general uprising in which Uncle Ho played the most decisive role.

After 30 years of working abroad, when the world situation had many changes in a direction favorable to us and the revolutionary movement in the country was on the rise, it was also the time when Uncle Ho returned to the country (January 28, 1941) to directly lead the Vietnamese Revolution. He urgently convened and chaired the 8th Central Committee Conference of the Party (May 10-19, 1941) to complete the shift in strategic direction and revolutionary tactics outlined at the 6th Central Committee Conference. He affirmed: If we do not regain independence and freedom for the nation at this time, not only will the entire nation and people continue to suffer the fate of slaves, but the interests of a part of the class will not be reclaimed for thousands of years. He advocated the establishment of the Viet Minh Front to gather all forces to solve revolutionary tasks within each country (previously, solving revolutionary tasks of all 3 Indochinese countries). Then, on June 6, 1941, Uncle Ho called for national unity, stating: Now the opportunity for liberation has come. The French empire could not save itself, let alone save the French rulers in our country. The Japanese empire was bogged down in China, and was in a difficult situation with the British and Americans. At present, to fight the French and Japanese, we only need one thing: the unity of the entire people... To have a regular army, Uncle Ho ordered the establishment of the Vietnam Propaganda Liberation Army (December 22, 1944). Then when Japan staged a coup against France (20:20 on March 9, 1945), the expanded Central Party Standing Committee met and issued the directive "The Japanese and French are fighting each other and our actions" (March 12, 1945), launching the "Resistance to Japan and National Salvation" movement nationwide.

Uncle Ho in his office at Viet Bac base. Photo archive

While the revolutionary spirit was boiling throughout the country, the fascist faction was gradually losing completely. After the Soviet Union defeated the Kwantung Army, the collapse of Japan was only a matter of hours. Foreseeing that, Uncle Ho, the Party Central Committee and the Viet Minh General Department had very timely policies to make Vietnam, as an independent country, welcome the Allied troops to disarm the Japanese army. From August 13 to 15, 1945, Uncle Ho convened the Party's National Conference in Tan Trao, deciding to launch a general uprising to seize power throughout the country before the Allied troops disarmed the Japanese army, because Uncle Ho determined that this was the most favorable time for us. The conference assessed: Japan had fallen, their commanding ranks in Indochina were extremely divided, Japanese soldiers were disbanded and demoralized, pro-Japanese Vietnamese traitors were frightened... The anti-Japanese national salvation movement led by the Party became increasingly strong and widespread throughout the North, Central and South. Guerrilla bases were expanded, liberated zones and the Vietnam Liberation Army were established... The Allied forces were about to enter our country and the French Empire was eager to restore its position in Indochina... The entire nation was seething, waiting for the hour to rise up and gain independent government...

One day later, Uncle Ho organized a National Congress (August 16-17, 1945), passed the General Uprising Order, decided on the National Flag, National Anthem, elected the National Liberation Committee (the Provisional Government later chaired by Ho Chi Minh). Then Uncle Ho wrote a letter calling for a general uprising, in which he said: "... Dear compatriots! The decisive hour for the fate of our nation has come. The entire nation, please rise up, use our strength to liberate ourselves... We cannot delay..." As soon as the General Uprising Order was issued, the whole country responded, rose up in revolt, and brought about the quick victory of the Revolution.

66 years have passed since the victory of the August Revolution, but its historical significance and lessons remain fresh, and are still valuable documents contributing to our nation-building cause today. Every year on this occasion, the spirit of the August Revolution flares up throughout the country, and the entire nation has the opportunity to review this important event in the nation's history, to understand and be grateful to Uncle Ho, the Party and those who contributed to the victory of this revolution.

Le Duc Hoang