AP Success - AP World History: Decolonization in Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh's Declaration of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam was delivered on September 2, 1945. At that time, Vietnam had been occupied by France for over a century, and during World War II, Japan had taken control of the country. In the aftermath of the war, Ho Chi Minh and other nationalist leaders saw an opportunity to assert their country's independence.
We are convinced that the Allied nations which at Tehran and San Francisco have acknowledged the principles of self-determination and equality of nations, will not refuse to acknowledge the independence of Vietnam.
A people who have courageously opposed French domination for more than eight years, a people who have fought side by side with the Allies against the Fascists during these last years, such a people must be free and independent.
For these reasons, we, members of the Provisional Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, solemnly declare to the world that Vietnam has the right to be a free and independent country—and in fact is so already. The entire Vietnamese people are determined to mobilize all their physical and mental strength, to sacrifice their lives and property in order to safeguard their independence and liberty.
Ho Chi Minh, Declaration of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, September 2, 1945
Question 1
Identify one historical development that influenced the message expressed in the excerpt.
Question 2
Explain one way in which United States foreign policy between 1945 and 1954 came into conflict with the aspirations for Vietnam expressed in the excerpt.
Question 3
Explain one way that the message expressed in the excerpt influenced the Democratic Republic of Vietnam's foreign policy between 1945 and 1975.
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