The independence of Vietnam was a long and complex process that involved a number of factors, including the French colonization of Vietnam, the rise of nationalism in Vietnam, and the Second World War.
The French colonization of Vietnam
The French began to colonize Vietnam in the 19th century, and by the early 20th century, they had control over most of the country. The French colonial regime was oppressive and exploitative, and it led to widespread discontent among the Vietnamese people.
The rise of nationalism in Vietnam
In the early 20th century, a number of nationalist movements emerged in Vietnam. These movements were inspired by a variety of factors, including the desire to achieve independence from France, the desire to modernize Vietnam, and the desire to revive traditional Vietnamese culture.
The Second World War
The Second World War had a profound impact on Vietnam. Japan occupied Vietnam from 1940 to 1945, and during that time, the Japanese promoted Vietnamese nationalism and supported the Viet Minh, a communist-led resistance movement. After the war, the French attempted to reimpose their colonial rule, but the Viet Minh launched a full-scale war of independence.
The war of independence
The war of independence lasted from 1946 to 1954, and it resulted in a victory for the Viet Minh. The Geneva Accords of 1954 divided Vietnam into two countries: North Vietnam and South Vietnam. North Vietnam was a communist state, while South Vietnam was a pro-Western state.
The reunification of Vietnam
The reunification of Vietnam occurred in 1975, when North Vietnam invaded South Vietnam and won the Vietnam War. The Socialist Republic of Vietnam was established, and it has been a communist state ever since.