The August Revolution - a milestone ushering in the era of independence and freedom

(ĐN) - The August Revolution of 1945 stands as one of the most glorious milestones in the history of Vietnam’s national construction and defense. It was the triumph of patriotism, of great national unity bloc, and of the Party’s wise and visionary leadership.

On September 2, 1945, at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and ushering in a new era for the nation. Archival photo

Viet Nam advances into the era of national rise, promoting the spirit of the August Revolution is a way for every Vietnamese to worthily uphold the proud legacy of their forebears.

Opening an era of independence, freedom, and socialism

In mid-August 1945, as Japan's military fascism surrendered to the Allies, the revolutionary situation had ripened. Under the skillful leadership of the Indochinese Communist Party headed by President Ho Chi Minh, the entire Vietnamese people rose up to launch a general uprising to seize power throughout the country. Within just 15 days (from August 14 to 28), revolutionary forces had taken control across nearly all provinces and cities, ending almost 80 years of French colonial domination and Japanese fascist rule.

On September 2, 1945, President Ho Chi Minh, on behalf of the provisional government, read the Declaration of Independence at Ba Dinh Square, proclaiming the foundation of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam – the first workers’ and peasants’ state in Southeast Asia. This was the direct outcome of the August Revolution.

The August Revolution overthrew the thousand-year feudal regime and the half-century colonial regime, opening a new era of an independent nation where the people were masters of their nation and destiny. From being slaves, the Vietnamese people rose to become the masters of an independent nation. This was a fundamental change in the political, social and spiritual life of the entire people.

The victory of the August Revolution also affirmed a profound truth: when properly led and united as one, the Vietnamese people could accomplish miracles. It is a strong and living testament of the Party’s revolutionary line that is putting national interests above all else, skillfully combining political struggle, armed struggle, and mass uprisings.

The August Revolution is not only the pride of the Vietnamese people but also the inspiration for the national liberation movement around the world. At a time when many Asian, African, and Latin American nations remained in colonial bondage, the victory of the Vietnamese people rang out like a call to awakening, paving the way for a wave of struggles for independence. Vietnam became a symbol of patriotism, resilience, and the yearning for freedom.

Hundred-year memories

Most of those who directly participated in the August Revolution in Dong Nai have now passed away. Among the few remaining is Phan Thi Chi, who directly participated in the forces that seized power in Long Thanh District. Through "hundred-year memories", she vividly recalls and relives the atmosphere of the revolution eight decades ago.

Her story begins with the plight of the people of Long Thanh under French colonial rule. Since the French colonialists invaded and then took full control of Cochinchina -  the southern region of Vietnam during the French colonial period, the lives of Long Thanh’s residents, already poor, grew harsher and more humiliating under colonial bondage. Most people survived on farming, only a minority owned land, while the majority were seasonal laborers. Heavy taxes crushed them. Those unable to pay were detained and beaten until payment was made.

When the Japanese fascists occupied the region, the people were forced into hard labor constructing airports Nuoc Trong (An Loi) and Go Dau (Phuoc Thai). Only those who lived during this time knew how brutal the colonial-fascist regime was. People were mentally terrorized and lacked medicine for the sick, no kerosene for lamps (people had to burn peanut oil or castor oil instead). Their clothes were made from coarse sackcloth plagued with lice. Young men were conscripted into unpaid labor for months at distant sites such as Ba Ria, Ho Nai, and Ben Go, enduring extreme hardship.

Oppression fueled resistance. The people of Long Thanh secretly harbored defiance, longing for a change to end their enslaved existence. The August Revolution of 1945 came as a refreshing stream, quenching the parched spirit of the masses.

On March 9, 1945, Japan staged a coup against France. From the afternoon of March 10, 1945, French forces had surrendered. French officials were arrested by the Japanese, and local colonial administrations collapsed. The mass struggle movement was consolidated and flourished. On August 16, 1945, the Central Committee’s call for a general uprising and the Viet Minh’s call to arms ignited the patriotic fervor of the people. The Long Thanh Party Cell was tasked by the Bien Hoa Provincial Uprising Committee to concentrate forces to carry out the uprising, assign party members to mobilize the masses to participate in seizing power, according to the plan of the Uprising Committee.

At 4 p.m. on August 23, the Uprising Committee analyzed the situation, formulated a plan to expose the Chin Loi group, belonging to the Cao Dai faction in Long Thanh district. This group had gathered 200 members to pressure the district authorities into handing over power.

By 7:30 the following morning, people from the communes and plantations marched in an organized formation towards the Long Thanh district capital. By 9:00, the Long Thanh townlet was teeming with a sea of people, with flags fluttering and songs echoing through the air like a floodtide of revolution. At precisely 10 a.m., a core force of 400 people divided into 2 groups and stormed the district office, forming a protective cordon for the Uprising Committee to enter to meet the district chief. Led by comrade Trinh Van Duc, the uprising Committee including 19 members proudly entered the office of the district chief, the district council, and Chief Chin Loi turned pale-faced, silently awaiting their fate. Comrade Ba Duc, on behalf of the revolutionary government, declared: The old government ceases its operation; the revolutionary government representing the interests of the people in the district starts to assume authority. The district authorities meekly handed over documents, records, warehouses, and weapons. Chief Chin Lợi and his follwers fled quietly through the back door.

Immediately after taking over the government, a victory rally took place at the district capital with more than 3,000 participants. The Long Thanh District Provisional Revolutionary Committee was introduced to the people. Later, the delegation of the Regional Party Committee convened a meeting of party members to announce the establishment of the Long Thanh District Party Committee, voting by a show of hands. They elected Comrade Trinh Van Duc as Secretary, Vu Hong Pho as Deputy Secretary, Standing Committee member Truong Minh Ky, and two Committee members Nguyen Van Phu and Le Thanh Liem.

The August Revolution left many profound lessons: placing national interests above all else; seizing revolutionary opportunities; relying on the strength of the masses; and ensuring the correct leadership of a true revolutionary party. These lessons remain invaluable in the current process of building and defending the Fatherland, as Vietnam continues its path of development and integration.

On August 24, 1945, the government of all 21 communes in Long Thanh district was handed over to the people. The people celebrated jubilantly, while commune councils quietly dissolved themselves. In some communes, they even delivered records and documents to the revolutionary authorities themselves. Overwhelmed by the revolution’s momentum and people's fervent spirit, some landlords and officials voluntarily contacted the revolutionary government to contribute food and provisions. Provisional People's Committees of the communes were formed one after another.

On August 25, implementing the policy of the district's Provisional Revolutionary Committee, thousands of people were organized to march to the provincial capital of Bien Hoa to join the uprising and seize power at the provincial level.

The August Revolution of 1945 successfully ended the long, humiliating chapter of slavery for the Vietnamese people. It ushered in a new era. From then on, people were freed from the colonial and feudal rule, becoming citizens of an independent country. A new life began.

By: Huynh Van Toi

Translated by: Thuy Trang - Thu Ha