Japanese Occupation
As World War II started, Vietnam was in no position to oppose the Japanese. With fighting taking place in France, the French government of Vietnam withdrew their few troops to concentrate them in their home country. With little hep from the French and the allies not willing to send troops to help them, Vietnam had no chance of avoiding Japanese invasion.
“...Considering the general situation, the Government of the United States did not believe that it could enter the conflict with Japan and that, should the latter attack Indochina, the United States would not oppose such an action.” - Secretary of State Summer Welles In September 1940, Japan invaded French controlled Vietnam in their attempt to conquer Asia. The Vichy French government of Vietnam was forced to do Japan's biding as a puppet government. |
The End
Due to the fear of imminent American invasion, the relationship between the Vichy French government and the Japanese ended on March 9, 1945 when the Japanese overthrew Jean Decoux and established an "independent" Vietnam. Emperor Bao Dai, the former political figurehead during French rule, was established as the leader of Vietnam but still had to answer to Japan.
After Japan's surrender, Ho Chi Minh and the Viet Minh assume leadership in the movement to fight French control. Emperor Bao Dai supported the Viet Minh believing that the United States was still supporting them. However, Bao Dai was forced to abdicate in August 1945 due to his unpopularity as a French and Japanese puppet. After Bao Dai leaves, the Viet Minh occupy Hanoi and establish their own government in Northern Vietnam. Japan officially surrenders on September 2. The Chinese accept Japanese surrender in North Vietnam while the British accept Japanese surrender in South Vietnam. "The senior Japanese commanders and all ground, sea, air and auxiliary forces within .. French Indochina north of 16 north latitude shall surrender to Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek ... The senior Japanese commanders and all ground, sea, air and auxiliary forces within... French Indochina south of 16 degrees north latitude ... shall surrender to the Supreme Allied Commander South East Asia Command or the Commanding General, Australian Forces." - Potsdam Conference The same day, the Ho Chi Minh issues his declaration of independence using the American Declaration of Independence and Sun Yatsen's Three People Doctrine for inspiration. Ho Chi Minh goes on to send several letters to United States President Harry Truman requesting recognition of independence but he never received a response. Vietnamese Nationalism
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