The Vietnamese Revolution of 1945

"The Vietnamese Revolution of 1945: Roosevelt, Ho Chi Minh, and de Gaulle in a World at War" by Stein Tonnesson is a comprehensive historical study that delves into the complexities of the August Revolution, which marked the end of French colonial rule in Vietnam and the beginning of the country's journey towards independence. Here is a detailed overview of the book, including key themes, plot summary, and critical reception:

Key Themes

1. International Context: The book situates the Vietnamese Revolution within the broader context of World War II and the post-war international landscape. It explores how global powers like the United States, France, and the United Kingdom influenced the outcome of the revolution.

2. Domestic Politics: Tonnesson examines the internal dynamics of the revolution, including the roles of various nationalist groups, the Indochinese Communist Party (ICP), and the leadership of Ho Chi Minh. He highlights the complex interplay between different factions and their struggles for power.

3. Revolutionary Process: The book provides a detailed analysis of the August Revolution itself, from the initial insurrection to the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV). It discusses the key events, such as the abdication of Emperor Bảo Đại and the declaration of independence by Ho Chi Minh.

4. Occupation and Resistance: Tonnesson also explores the period of Allied occupation, particularly the roles of British and Chinese forces in northern Vietnam. He discusses how these occupations influenced the consolidation of power by the Việt Minh and the subsequent challenges they faced from French colonial forces.

Plot Summary

The book begins by setting the historical context of World War II and its impact on French Indochina. It then delves into the formation of the Indochinese Communist Party (ICP) and its early activities. The narrative focuses on the pivotal moment of the August Revolution, which began with the Japanese surrender on August 15, 1945. The Việt Minh, led by Ho Chi Minh, seized control of key cities, including Hanoi, and established a provisional government.

The book details the symbolic acts of transfer of power, such as Field Marshal Count Hisaichi Terauchi's pledge to Việt Minh representatives in Saigon-Cholon. It also highlights the challenges faced by the Việt Minh in southern Vietnam, where they had to contend with various nationalist groups and the eventual reassertion of French control with British support.

Critical Reception

"The Vietnamese Revolution of 1945" has received widespread acclaim for its meticulous scholarship and nuanced historical analysis. Here are some excerpts from critical reviews:

• Masterful Control of Detail: The book is praised for its wealth of detail and complex argument, making it an authoritative account of the August Revolution.

• Theoretical and Historiographical Discussion: The author's theoretical underpinning and historiographical discussion are highlighted as significant contributions to understanding revolutions in general and the Vietnamese Revolution specifically.

• Exceptional Research: The book is noted for its exceptionally fine research, with a good theoretical underpinning. Stein Tonnesson is recognized as an excellent researcher with deep knowledge of social scientific theory.

• Challenging Accepted Wisdom: Tonnesson is commended for maintaining high standards by questioning accepted wisdom, shedding important new light on a less well-known period of modern Vietnamese history.

Overall, "The Vietnamese Revolution of 1945" is considered a seminal work in the field of Vietnamese history, providing a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the complex events that shaped the country's transition to independence.