“Ho Chi Minh’s resistance against Japanese occupation was the main reason for the emergence of an effective Vietnamese independence movement.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that Ho Chi Minh’s resistance against Japanese occupation was the main reason for the emergence of an effective independence movement. Candidates may refer to Ho Chi Minh’s creation of an independence/nationalist movement that had gained some limited support after the First World War. Candidates may argue that it was the repressive and cruel nature of Japanese occupation of Vietnam which led to increased support for this independence movement. In 1941, Ho Chi Minh returned to Vietnam and his guerrilla force of 10 000 led many successful attacks against Vichy French and Japanese authorities. Ho Chi Minh was even given money from the US to build up his movement. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example long term resentment towards French colonial rule or the disappointment felt that the Treaty of Versailles concept of self-determination had not included them. Candidates may also argue that Ho Chi Minh’s promise of a fairer society and land redistribution appealed to the Vietnamese peasantry. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.