(VOVWORLD) - The August 19, 1945 victory was a momentous milestone in the history of the Vietnamese nation that opened an era of independence and freedom. Over the past 80 years, the triumph of the August Revolution has been the driving force behind Vietnam’s development achievements and will provide a foundation from which to advance into a new era of national rise.
 The victory of the August Revolution opens a new chapter of independence for Vietnam. (Photo: VNA) |
After the success of the August Revolution, President Ho Chi Minh read on September 2, 1945 Vietnam’s Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, the first people’s democratic state in Southeast Asia. In that moment, Vietnam became a name on the world map and Vietnamese society transitioned from a semi-feudal colonial regime to a new social order – a socialist regime of the people, by the people, and for the people.
Historical values
In August 1945, under the leadership of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh, the Vietnamese people rose up to seize power, overthrow colonial, fascist, and feudal rules, and establish a people’s democratic state. The victory of the August Revolution was one of the most glorious triumphs of the 20th century, with historical and epochal significance for Vietnam. It opened a new era of independence for Vietnam with the right of self-determination, where Vietnamese people became masters of their nation and their own destiny.
Nguyen Trong Nghia, Head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Information, Education, and Mass Mobilization, said: “The August Revolution left invaluable historical lessons on the construction and defense of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, and President Ho Chi Minh. It has been a compass guiding every victory of the Vietnamese revolution, grasping opportunities, promoting the great unity of the entire nation, and maintaining steadfast faith in the people.”
The August Revolution was a landmark event in the global movement for national liberation in the 20th century. Associate Professor Dr. Bui Dinh Phong, senior lecturer at the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, said: “There are two principal values: national value and epochal value. The national value lies in the success of the August Revolution and President Ho Chi Minh’s reading the Declaration of Independence to give birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. This victory opened a new era of national independence and freedom. Its epochal value lies in being a triumph of progressive forces against reactionary ones. Vietnam’s revolution was a wake-up call for oppressed nations around the world.”
Through arduous struggles, the victory of the August Revolution 80 years ago has remained a firm foundation for the Vietnamese nation to unite, defeat invaders, gain independence, achieve national reunification, advance toward socialism, and successfully reform and develop the country.
 The national flag hoisting ceremony at Ba Dinh square (Photo: Pham Kien/ VNA) |
Continuing its glorious history
Building on the era of independence and freedom, the renewal process ushered in an era of reform and development for Vietnam from 1986 until now. Today, Vietnam is among the world’s 40 largest economies, one of the top 20 trading nations, and ranks 32nd in national brand. Once being besieged and embargoed, Vietnam now has diplomatic relations with approximately 194 countries and trade relations with more than 200 economies. Vietnam is a friend, a trusted partner, and an active, responsible member of the international community.
At this historic juncture of entering a new era of robust development, Vietnam has streamlined its administrative apparatus and political system for greater efficiency, and is moving toward a modern, people-oriented governance system where all benefits belong to the people.
On this journey, the victory of the August 1945 Revolution has been a powerful driving force for national development. Professor Dr. Pham Hong Tung, former Director of the Institute of Vietnamese Studies and Development Sciences at the Vietnam National University, Hanoi, said: “Looking back at the past 80 years, we see even more clearly the immense scope and timeless significance of the August Revolution. Its two greatest achievements were national independence and the establishment of a democratic republic under the rule of law, which have been the political, spiritual, and cultural foundation for national defense and international integration.”
The era of independence and freedom was succeeded by an era of national reunification, peace, and development. Today, Vietnam is drawing on the strength of the past, present, and future to advance into a new era of a just, democratic, civilized, and prosperous society.