Hanoi – the vanguard of August 1945 General Uprising

THE HANOI TIMES — Every autumn, Hanoi quietly remembers. The city’s streets, steeped in history, seem to whisper tales of the August 1945 General Uprising.

As the nation celebrates the August Revolution and National Day, Hanoi stands as a living witness to the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, a moment that marked a new era of independence, hope and freedom.

Nguyen Thi Su, Deputy General Director of Vietnam News Agency, spoke with emotion at the seminar “80 Years of Memory – The Historic Autumn” about the spiritual legacy of Hanoi during those decisive days, affirming that it was at the city that the immortal values of the Revolution radiated across the country.

“When talking about Hanoi, we speak of a city of elegance and resilience, a heroic city of conscience, human dignity, and creativity,” Su said.

She stated that the seminar was an occasion to honor the bravery, spirit, and aspirations of Hanoians, while inspiring the younger generation to cherish their pride, love Hanoi even more, and join hands in building a modern, civilized and sustainable capital.

Echoing Su, historian Vu Minh Giang, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Historical Sciences, underlined Hanoi’s central role in channeling the revolutionary spirit into decisive action.

“Hanoi, the country’s political and cultural center, is the place where the call for uprising was first initiated. It was the place where the aspirations for independence and freedom were transformed into organized revolutionary action,” Giang said.

He noted that Hanoi’s success created a powerful ripple effect, inspiring uprisings in other localities and ultimately leading to the nationwide triumph of the Revolution.

Hanoi in the nationwide movement

The events of August 19, 1945, remain etched in collective memory. On that morning, tens of thousands of Hanoians gathered at key sites such as the Opera House and Ba Dinh Square.

With determination and unity, they seized power from the colonial administration, raising the red flag with a yellow star. Within days, the revolutionary flame spread, and by September 2, President Ho Chi Minh declared the nation’s independence at Ba Dinh Square.

Associate Professor Bui Hoai Son, member of the National Assembly’s Committee on Culture and Education, emphasized that Hanoi’s pioneering role in the Revolution left a legacy that continues to guide the city’s development.

“The spirit of Hanoi in the August Revolution endures as a source of strength and identity. It represents resilience, creativity, and leadership in pivotal historical moments. Today, this legacy is an invaluable asset for leading the city in modernization, innovation, and international integration,” Son affirmed.

The significance of Hanoi’s leadership lies in its ability to mobilize the masses. In 1945, the capital embodied the unity of workers, peasants, intellectuals, and students working together for a common cause. That unity remains strong today, as the city strives to balance tradition with the demands of global progress.

In line with this perspective, Nguyen Van Phong, Deputy Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, stressed that carrying forward the values of the August Revolution is both a duty and a source of pride for today’s generation of Hanoians.

“Hanoi was the stage for a turning point in history and the birthplace of critical decisions that shaped the nation, and the revolutionary spirit of August continues to guide our path, ensuring Hanoi remains at the vanguard of renewal, sustainable development, and international integration,” said Phong.

Adding to this reflection, Nguyen Viet Chuc, former Vice Chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee on Culture and Education, stressed that Hanoi’s leading role in 1945 came not only from political urgency but also from the city’s cultural essence.

“Hanoi was where the Uprising first triumphed. Its patriotism, responsibility, and unity became a revolutionary strength that defines its leadership in renewal while preserving heritage,” Chuc noted.

With the revolutionary cause, Hanoi has consistently played a leading role, from spearheading the uprising in 1945 to guiding national development in the 21st century. Hanoi has become a hub for culture, education, science, and governance, while positioning itself as a creative city within UNESCO’s global network.

Its blend of historical depth and forward-looking dynamism makes it both a guardian of tradition and a driver of modernization.

The August Revolution, hailed as a "two-week miracle", was rooted in Hanoi’s readiness, mobilization, and vision. On the Revolution’s 80th anniversary, Hanoi reaffirms its vanguard role in unity, courage, and responsibility.