Between the Wars
The Geneva Conference 1954 discussed Korea and Indochina's issues. Vietnam was separated at the 17th parallel, the DRV in the north and Diem's government in the south.
"Through leadership of the fight against French colonialism, Ho Chi Minh had made a name for himself in the international political arena."
- Nguyen Cao Ky on Ho's recognition in the world. trichdanhay.com. |
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Ho approved of "self-criticism" programs, hoping they would strengthen the opinions and political convictions of the people. He insisted the sessions not be forced, but by conscious and curious will.
"Insist on independent and free thought. Go deeper and understand a text thoroughly without having blind faith in every word or phrase; boldly discuss questions... Ask "why?" every time you encounter a problem... determine whether it concerns real life and reason..."
-Ho Chi Minh describing why and how "criticism sessions" should be held. arobe.latrobe.edu.au.
"Chinh huan [reeducation] is solely based on free consent. If someone refuses, he should not be forced into it. Uncle Tuoc is a good man."
-Ho Chi Minh on moderate action and defending his friend Tuoc who refused the sessions. gwu.edu. |
"This [criticism programs] could last hours, repeating the same thing. It was during this time that we saw Ho chi Minh for the first time... Ho Chi Minh was full of concern for us, more worried about giving us practical advice than delivering a message..."
-Xuan Phuong, a doctor/journalist, comparing Ho's approach of reeducation to the Chinese Communist system's. Ho Chi Minh: A Biography. |
Crucial land reform proceeded accordingly:
"We must abolish the system of colonial land ownership in Vietnam, abolish the system of feudal property, and establish the system of peasant land ownership and give the land to those who work on it."
-The Vietnam Workers Party on land reform goals. Ho Chi Minh: A Biography.
-The Vietnam Workers Party on land reform goals. Ho Chi Minh: A Biography.
Ho ordered several changes in collectivization before more people were harmed, because the reforms caused numerous mistakes. "Some cadres are using the same method to crush the masses as the imperialists, capitalists, and feudalists did. These methods are barbaric.... It is absolutely forbidden to use physical punishment." |
"The newly elected People's Committee is made up of reputable, honest people... almost all citizens wrongly accused of being "landlords" have been rehabilitated. The unfortunate people who were "demoted in class" can now return and live in a part of their own house, get back some plots of their rice fields, and, most importantly, be officially classified as "peasants of the middle class."
-Xuan Phuong describing the effects of Ho's modifications on the reforms. Ho Chi Minh: A Biography.
-Xuan Phuong describing the effects of Ho's modifications on the reforms. Ho Chi Minh: A Biography.
Despite hardships, nationalism grew, centering around "Uncle" Ho. Propaganda and media portrayed him as a pure, patriotic, and determined leader for the people not only in Vietnam, but the whole world.
“My father told us later that meeting Ho Chi Minh was an exciting time, and something he would never forget. In fact, he carried with him for most of his life a small photograph of Ho Chi Minh. He covered it with plastic so that it would not get wet, and sometimes he took it out for strength.”
-Testimony from a Viet Minh soldier's son. Village At War. "Well, through his way of living and his influence over his peers, Ho Chi Minh was exactly comparable to these "holy apostles." An apostle of the Revolution. His sincerity was that of an incorruptible communist and his purity that of a man totally devoted to his cause, in his principles and in his actions... Ho Chi Minh was truly one of the "saints" of communism."
-An excerpt from Nikita Krushchev's "Memoirs", admiring Ho. |
"He [Ho] was a sincere patriot who sacrificed his whole life to the pursuit of the Revolution... He was a symbol of heroism for the people in the North as well as many in the South, including intellectuals, and faith in him created a basis for solidarity and our struggle against foreign aggression."
-Excerpt from "The Memoirs of Tin Bui", from North Vietnam. |