(VOVworld) – The victory of the August Revolution in 1945 has always been an inspiration in national defense for generations of Vietnamese people. Lessons from the revolution 70 years ago on grasping opportunities, building and reinforcing national unity, and mobilizing national power have remained valid in the current national construction.
The 1945 August Revolution victory and its significance are precious lessons for the Vietnamese Party and people on the cause of national independence and socialism for a prosperous and strong Vietnam.
Grasping an opportunity of a lifetime to win
When World War II broke out on September 3, 1939, the situation inside and outside Vietnam changed rapidly. On January 28, 1941, Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh returned to Vietnam to chair the 8th meeting of the Executive Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam from May 10-19, 1941. The meeting confirmed that the Indochina revolution was a national liberation revolution and the interests of groups and classes were secondary to the life or death of the nation.
To fully promote the power of patriotism and nationalism and prepare forces for national liberation, the Communist Party of Vietnam decided to establish the Vietnamese Independence Alliance Association. The Association marked a turning point in the Party’s leadership, promoting the strength of national unity for a general uprising.
The Communist Party of Vietnam accurately analyzed the internal problems of its adversaries and made an early prediction of Japan’s ouster from Indochina. On August 13, 1945, Japan surrendered to the Allied Forces. President Ho Chi Minh saw that it was the opportunity of a lifetime for Vietnam. He said: “Even if we have to burn the whole Truong Son Range, we must gain back independence and freedom.” A general uprising was raised across Vietnam and succeeded in 2 weeks.
The victory of the August Revolution was attributed to the able leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam. Professor Doctor Mach Quang Thang of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and Public Administration told a recent conference on the August Revolution in Tuyen Quang: “We prepared thoroughly with regard to guidelines, the founding of the Party in 1930, the rehearsal in 1930-1931, the Nghe Tinh – Soviet movement, troop reinforcement, and the critical period from 1936 to 1939, and from 1939 to 1945. The Party prepared conditions to grasp opportunity, adjust strategic guidelines, stir movements, and combine internal and external strength for the revolution.”
The lesson of national unity in the renewal process
The most valuable lesson of the August Revolution was building and mobilizing national unity centered on the alliance of workers, farmers, and intellectuals and based on the people’s interests and aspirations. All people, despite their ethnicity, religion, or class, stood up together to create a large and strong revolutionary movement. Doctor Nhi Le, Deputy Editor-in-chief of the Communist Party Review, said: “All people across Vietnam rose up to take back the administration. People united power is invincible. More than 600 years ago, Nguyen Trai said "The people are as strong as the current that can upturn a boat". Ho Chi Minh said “Nothing is more precious than people and nothing is as powerful as people’s strength.” The August Revolution was a revolution of the people, by the people, and for the people.”
The August Revolution’s lesson of national unity retained its meaning in both resistance wars against the French and American invaders and in the current national construction. Associate Professor, Doctor Bui Dinh Phong of the HCM National Academy of Politics and Public Administration, said: “Public trust is the strongest shield protecting the Party, the regime, and the national renewal. If we want to succeed in the renewal process, we must reinforce public trust. We have to forge national unity while caring for people’s legitimate interests. To have public trust is to have every thing.”