Released to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day, 2/9, the book revisits milestones and paints a comprehensive picture of the autumn of 1945 through writings by witnesses such as General Vo Nguyen Giap, revolutionary and journalist Xuan Thuy, and writer To Hoai.

Under the leadership of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh, the Vietnamese people rose up in revolt, seizing power from the Japanese fascists and overthrowing French colonial rule after more than 80 years. This eradicated the feudal regime and ushered in an era of independence, freedom, and working-class ownership. The victory affirmed the nation's indomitable will and inspired national liberation movements in colonies worldwide. The book analyzes the factors contributing to this triumph, such as astute assessment of the situation, seizing the opportune moment, and employing appropriate struggle methods within the existing context.

Cover of "Imprints of the August Revolution 1945," a 284-page book published by the National Political Publishing House. Photo: National Political Publishing House

Cover of "Imprints of the August Revolution 1945," a 284-page book published by the National Political Publishing House. Photo: National Political Publishing House

The August Revolution left a deep mark on the minds of historical witnesses, revolutionaries, and artists. Journalist Xuan Thuy recalls a nation brimming with determination during the autumn of 1945. In the provinces, "on the eve of the uprising, people emerged from villages onto roads and railways, carrying guns, knives, and shovels. Some stretches were filled with silent, swift figures; others resembled demonstrations, with cheers and slogans echoing through the sky, sometimes as chaotic as a bustling market." People disrupted transportation routes, preventing enemy communication between provinces. "The chants of 'mot, hai, mot, hai,' following the rhythm of the guerrilla troops, were truly sacred and extraordinary, possessing the power to draw millions onto the path of life or death," an excerpt from an article published in the Cuu Quoc special issue on 19/8/1946 recounts.

In the cities, nights seemed quiet, yet every house buzzed with activity "like a silent play on stage." People sewed flags, assembled weapons, whispered, and moved stealthily, all demonstrating a powerful underlying vitality. The spirit of the demonstrators "seemed to devour all the tanks, cannons, and arsenals of the Japanese army, swallowing whole their mansions and castles." Despite widespread flooding in northern provinces due to a dike breach, the people remained undeterred. As the book notes, "after more than 80 long years, the Vietnamese people finally had this opportunity. They had to seize it, life or death, to avenge their nation and step into the light."

On 19/8/1945, during the general uprising in Hanoi, revolutionary forces seized the Bac Bo Governorate. This photo was published in the Cuu Quoc newspaper's special issue on 19/8/1946. Photo: VNA

On 19/8/1945, during the general uprising in Hanoi, revolutionary forces seized the Bac Bo Governorate. This photo was published in the Cuu Quoc newspaper's special issue on 19/8/1946. Photo: VNA

The book vividly portrays the nation at the cusp of a new era. From 14/8 to 28/8, the general uprising achieved complete victory. On 2/9/1945, at Ba Dinh Square (Hanoi), President Ho Chi Minh, on behalf of the provisional government, read the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam). "In a clear, simple voice, occasionally asking, 'Can you all hear me clearly?', he showed that every word he uttered was of utmost importance, and he wanted the nation to catch every single one," journalist Hong Ha, editor-in-chief of Nhan Dan newspaper from 1982 to 1987, recounted the moment in the Cuu Quoc newspaper on 5/9/1945.

The "Declaration of Independence" of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, published in Cuu Quoc newspaper, issue 36, on 5/9/1945. Photo: "Imprints of the August Revolution 1945"

The "Declaration of Independence" of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, published in Cuu Quoc newspaper, issue 36, on 5/9/1945. Photo: "Imprints of the August Revolution 1945"

During the first anniversary of the victory, articles in Cuu Quoc and Su That newspapers reviewed the nation's post-revolution achievements, calling for increased national unity, promoting reunification efforts, and striving for complete independence.

"Imprints of the August Revolution 1945" is a collaborative work by numerous history and political researchers, edited by Nguyen Thai Binh. The book compiles relevant documents such as the Call for General Uprising, the Appeal of the Indochinese Communist Party, and President Ho Chi Minh's Declaration of Independence, sourced from historical archives like the Complete Party Documents and articles published in Cuu Quoc, Su That, and Doc Lap newspapers. The work serves as an inspiration, reminding us of our responsibility to preserve and build upon the legacy of those who sacrificed to protect the nation.

Chau Anh