Why did Vietnam's nationalist movement gain momentum during WWII?

Vietnam's nationalist movement gained momentum during WWII due to the power vacuum created by the Japanese occupation.

During the Second World War, Vietnam was under the control of Vichy France, a puppet regime of Nazi Germany. However, in 1940, Japan invaded Vietnam and established a military occupation, effectively sidelining the French administration. This created a power vacuum and a state of political instability, which provided an opportunity for Vietnamese nationalists to assert their influence and rally support for their cause.

The most prominent nationalist group was the Viet Minh, led by Ho Chi Minh. The Viet Minh was a communist-led organisation that sought independence from foreign rule. The Japanese occupation, with its harsh policies and exploitation of Vietnamese resources, exacerbated the suffering of the Vietnamese people. This created a fertile ground for the Viet Minh to gain support, as they promised independence, freedom, and an end to foreign exploitation.

Moreover, the geopolitical context of WWII also played a significant role. The Allies, particularly the United States and China, were interested in undermining Japan's war effort. As such, they provided support to the Viet Minh, including military training and supplies. This external support significantly boosted the Viet Minh's capabilities and legitimacy, further propelling the nationalist movement.

Furthermore, the end of WWII saw Japan surrender and withdraw from Vietnam, leaving another power vacuum. The Viet Minh, having built up their strength and support base during the war, were well-positioned to seize control. On September 2, 1945, Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam's independence, marking a significant victory for the nationalist movement.

In conclusion, the power vacuum and political instability created by the Japanese occupation during WWII, coupled with the harsh conditions imposed on the Vietnamese people and the external support from the Allies, provided a conducive environment for Vietnam's nationalist movement to gain momentum. The Viet Minh capitalised on these conditions, rallying support for their cause and ultimately declaring Vietnam's independence at the end of the war.