Ho Chi Minh is a revolutionary leader whose efforts led to the liberation and independence of Vietnam from France. Although some Americans and individuals in western nations believe that Minh was a communist, many Vietnamese acknowledge that he was a hero. This discussion gives a detailed analysis of his achievements.
Vietnam’s service during World War II
Ho Chi Minh’s speech of 1945 appears to compel the free world to support Vietnam’s independence as a payment for services offered throughout the Second World War. It is agreeable that Vietnam rendered support during this upheaval. To begin with, Americans managed to defeat Japan because of the resources and assistance offered by Vietnamese people. The Vietminh Guerilla Movement opposed any form of Japanese or French occupation in the country. As a freedom fighter, Minh collaborated with the US army to form an anti-Japanese alliance. Since many citizens in the country had sacrificed their resources and time to deal with Japanese Imperialism, it was appropriate for the country to be granted its freedom. Additionally, the French massacre of many political prisoners amounted to atrocities and crimes against humanity. The best compensation would be to establish a positive relationship between France and the proposed independent nation (Logevall, 2014). He acknowledged that every citizen in Vietnam had paid the price for this vital human right.
Vietnam’s independence and the philosophical principles of the Allies
In his speech, Minh argued that Vietnam’s independence was something consistent with the philosophical principles that appeared to matter the most to the Allies during the Second World War. The major values targeted by this nationalist revolved around the American Declaration of Independence and the French Revolution Declaration. According to him, it was important for these two nations to ensure that the rights of all citizens in Vietnam were protected. This was the reason why he declared that the country was ready to be independent and free (“Declaration of independence,” n.d.). Minh went further to make references to specific occasions where such principles were reaffirmed. For instance, France and the US had met severally to draw the best future for the world. During such meetings, these nations focused on self-determination and the desire for peace across the world. Similarly, Minh believed that the Vietnamese required such liberties, rights, and emancipation.
Crimes committed by the French during their occupation of Vietnam
Minh was keen to identify various criminal acts committed by the French throughout their occupation of Vietnam. The most severe crimes committed against the people of Vietnam, as described by Minh, included deprivation of personal liberties and freedoms, exploitation of workers, and abuse. Vietnamese people were also forced to pay unjustifiable taxes that led to increased poverty levels in the country (Brower & Sanders, 2014). Many citizens were oppressed and forced to lead unhealthy lifestyles. Many citizens were also brainwashed using addictive substances such as opium and alcohol (Declaration of independence,” n.d.). The French mainly focused on power without addressing serious concerns such as equality. From a personal perspective, these crimes committed by the French were severe and could be used to justify Minh’s push for independence. This is the reason why the Vietnamese fought to become free after eighty years of abuse, oppression, and poverty.
Conclusion
Although many people might argue that Was Ho Chi Minh was a communist, this discussion has presented powerful arguments to explain why he should be regarded as a hero. His efforts and actions led to the emancipation of many individuals in this country. Eventually, the Vietnamese would no longer be slaves in their own nation.
References
Brower, D., & Sanders, T. (2014). The world in the twentieth century: From empires to nations (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Declaration of independence of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. (n.d.). Web.
Logevall, F. (2014). Embers of war: The fall of an empire and the making of America’s Vietnam. New York, NY: Random House.