The August Revolution in 1945 went down in history as one of the most resplendent anthems of patriotism, indomitable spirit, and the Vietnamese people’s yearning for independence and freedom.
It was the first monumental victory of the Vietnamese people under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, headed by President Ho Chi Minh. That triumph not only marked the end of nearly a century of colonial, fascist, and feudal domination but also heralded a new era — the era of national independence intertwined with socialism.
One of the decisive factors in this historic victory was the art of creating opportunity, accurately assessing the situation, and decisively grasping the chance to mobilise the entire population to rise up and seize power.
Nearly 80 years on, this invaluable lesson remains entirely relevant. At a moment when the country is preparing its strength and position to enter a new era — an era of the nation’s rise — the lesson of seizing the opportunity resonates as a reminder for all in the journey of national construction and development today.
The art of seizing opportunity
At the end of 1939, the Second World War broke out and spread across Europe. The global and domestic situation rapidly changed. As early as 1940, leader Nguyen Ai Quoc (later known as Ho Chi Minh) analysed the war’s complexion, predicting that “the final victory will belong to the democratic forces” and recognised that the opportunity for national liberation was drawing near.
In June 1940, upon hearing of France’s surrender to Nazi Germany, he warned that “this is a very favourable opportunity for the Vietnamese revolution… Delay at this moment would be a betrayal of the revolution.”
On January 28, 1941, after 30 years abroad, President Ho Chi Minh returned to Vietnam to personally direct the revolutionary movement. Four months later, the 8th meeting of the Party Central Committee (May 1941) asserted:
“If we cannot resolve the issue of national liberation now, and fail to regain independence and freedom for the entire nation, then not only will the whole country remain enslaved forever, but the rights of all classes and groups will never be reclaimed”.
THE 8TH MEETING OF THE PARTY CENTRAL COMMITTEE (MAY 1941)
After 30 years abroad, President Ho returned to Vietnam to directly lead the revolutionary movement. Photo: VNA
From this point, the policy of uniting the entire population was established. The Party formed the Viet Minh Front (League for Independence of Vietnam), gathering all patriotic classes – from peasants, workers, youths, and women to children – into a strong, united front.
In October 1944, President Ho Chi Minh wrote a letter to compatriots nationwide, analysing the favourable global situation, stating: “The opportunity for our nation’s liberation lies within a year or a year and a half. Time is extremely limited. We must act quickly.” To meet the revolutionary needs, on December 22, 1944, the Vietnam Propaganda Unit of the Liberation Army (the precursor of the Vietnam People’s Army) was established, tasked with combining political activities with armed struggle.
Historical events such as the Japanese coup against the French (March 9, 1945) were swiftly analysed by the Party, leading to the famous directive: “Japan and France fight each other and our actions.” At the same time, the slogan “Destroy Japanese rice stores, solve the famine” that swept the North and killed millions, turned famine relief into a widespread political movement and set the stage for the general uprising.
In early 1945, the Second World War entered its decisive phase. The Soviet Army secured numerous victories in Europe, while the Soviet Union declared war with Japan in August 1945, inevitably dooming Japanese fascism. President Ho Chi Minh’s call echoed: “No matter the sacrifice, even if we must burn the entire Truong Son mountain range, we must secure independence.”
Taking advantage of this favourable moment, the Vietnamese Party and people decided to launch a general uprising to seize power, transforming the ideals of independence and freedom into reality. In less than half a month, from August 14 to 28, 1945, the general uprising achieved complete victory, ending colonial and feudal domination. For the first time in history, the Vietnamese people rose from slavery to become masters of their country and their destiny.
This was a victory of intellect, mettle, and a burning desire for independence and freedom — a “swift, bold, and unpredictable” revolution”.
Lessons optimised in nation’s development journey
Eight decades have passed. The country has endured war and entered a period of renewal, deep and extensive international integration. The lessons of the August Revolution remain fully relevant, especially amid rapid and unpredictable global changes.
The lesson of grasping opportunity from the August Revolution has continued to be successfully applied by the Party during key historical moments, such as the Dien Bien Phu Victory in 1954, the 1975 Spring Victory, and notably the initiation of the Doi Moi (Renewal) reforms in 1986.
Vietnam Today
💹 From a poor, backward economy under siege and embargo, Vietnam has grown into one of the world’s 32 largest economies, with its economic scale nearly 100 times larger than in 1986.
🌏 Vietnam ranks among the top 20 economies in trade and investment attraction.
💵 Per capita income rose from under 100 USD to 4,700 USD in 2024.
🚀 Agriculture, the processing industry, high technology, tourism, education, and healthcare have all made remarkable progress.
Vietnam is one of the 10 best performers in achieving the goals of promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls.
Vietnam – Asia’s top destination of international repeat visitors.
🏡 Living standards have improved significantly, and the poverty rate has sharply declined to just 1.93% according to multidimensional poverty standards, compared to over 60% in 1986.
🌐 Vietnam has established diplomatic relations with 194 countries, including strategic and comprehensive partnerships with 37 nations.
🏛️ Vietnam has actively participated in over 70 international and regional organisations, and commanded increasing respect in the international community.
This is the “position and strength” enabling the nation to step into an era of the nation’s rise.
Seizing opportunity for development
“Seizing opportunity” today is no longer about wresting power from enemies but about maximising opportunities for development— from science and technology, digital transformation, to investment attraction and market expansion.
Yet, as in 1945, to grasp these opportunities, Vietnam must proactively build strength, prepare high-quality human resources, complete institutional frameworks, and enhance national resilience. Every step forward results from long-term preparation combined with sharp judgment in timing and decision-making.
On January 8, 2025, at the government and local authorities’ year-end review and work plan conference for 2025, Party General Secretary To Lam emphasised: “… every opportunity coming to us must be seized promptly. If we let opportunities slip away, we will be betraying history and the people.”
“We must not allow our country to fall behind. We must not allow our nation to miss its opportunities…We must act for the long-term future, not for short-term achievements. It is imperative to defend independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and to maintain a peaceful, stable environment.“
“VIETNAM IS ONE, THE VIETNAMESE PEOPLE ARE ONE,” – PARTY GENERAL SECRETARY TO LAM
Photo series: Soldiers in the frontline of the Fatherland silently carry out patrol and steadfastly protect the sovereignty and security of the country’s borders, seas, and airspace. Source: VNA
“At the same time, we must boldly innovate in our mindset about development, push forward with administrative reforms, build a rule-of-law socialist state and a socialist-oriented market economy under state management and the Party leadership, and construct a modern socialist society.”
“VIETNAM IS ONE, THE VIETNAMESE PEOPLE ARE ONE,” – PARTY GENERAL SECRETARY TO LAM
The 21st century, as General Secretary Lam asserted, is “the one of the nations that can master their destiny. And the Vietnamese nation – armed with all the lessons of its past and the unity it forges today – will undoubtedly continue to write new glorious chapters in its journey of development. All is for an independent, free, happy, prosperous, civilised, and thriving Vietnam with an important position and a strong voice in the international community.”
The historic August is not only a golden memory of ancestors but also a guiding torch lighting the way to the future. It reminds us of the importance of thorough preparations, timely action, and decisive measures for the nation’s benefit. In the flow of integration, when opportunity comes, if Vietnam possess the mettle, intelligence, and solidarity, the country will surely continue to write glorious history in the 21st century./.
