Declaration of Independence: From national rights to people’s right to self-master

At the same time, it reflects a consistent ideology that the people are the primary subject of national independence, and that their empowerment and happiness represent the ultimate goal of the revolution.

Profound ideological value of national and epochal stature

The Declaration of Independence is a momentous political and legal document that opened a new era for the Vietnamese nation, an era of independence and freedom.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tao Thi Quyen, Vice Director of the Institute of State and Law under the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, notes that the Declaration not only asserts a clear political stance but also embodies profound ideological values of both national and epochal stature.

First, the ideology of human rights and national self-determination.  Right in the introduction, President Ho Chi Minh affirmed the legitimacy of Vietnam’s struggle for independence using the language of Western democracies. By placing Vietnam’s fight within the broader context of human progress, he refuted the French colonialists' claims of a "civilizing mission" and rallied international support, particularly from the United States.

According to President Ho Chi Minh, human rights are not merely individual matters but are inextricably linked to a nation’s freedom, independence, and territorial integrity. Achieving human rights, he emphasized, is the fruit of a long struggle waged across generations by working people and oppressed nations worldwide.

This ideological foundation linking human rights to national self-determination underscores Ho Chi Minh’s acute political insight in applying Western bourgeois democratic ideas to a proletarian, national-liberation revolution.

Second, patriotic ideology and national independence-the core values of Vietnamese tradition.

“Vietnam has the right to enjoy freedom and independence, and in fact has become a free and independent country." This constitutes the ideological foundation spanning thousands of years of national construction and defense-the spirit of independence, self-reliance, and unyielding resistance against foreign forces. President Ho Chi Minh affirmed that the right to independence is sacred and legitimate, undeniable by any force, including French colonialists or Japanese fascists. The Declaration inherits this tradition of unyielding patriotism while representing a step forward in national ideology toward a modern, organized, and internationally legitimate orientation.

Third, combining national independence and democracy-a strategic objective of the Vietnamese revolution. The Declaration of Independence addresses not only the right to national independence but also highlights democratic rights, the right to life, and the people's right to self-mastery: "We declare a complete severance of relations with French colonialism, the abolition of all treaties signed by France regarding Vietnam... and the elimination of all French privileges on Vietnamese soil"; "The entire Vietnamese nation is determined to devote all its spirit and strength, lives and wealth, to maintaining that freedom and independence." This exemplifies President Ho Chi Minh's new democratic revolutionary thought: not merely achieving independence, but aiming to build a democratic, progressive, and equitable society.

The Declaration shows that the Vietnamese revolution was not just a national uprising, but also a social revolution aimed ultimately at people's empowerment.

Fourth, modern legal thought establishing the foundation for constitutionalism and state institutions. The entire Declaration is structured and argued with the rigor of a modern legal document. Its structure comprises: an introduction (theoretical foundation), a section detailing crimes (practical foundation), and a declaration of independence (politico-legal thesis). The language used is formal, affirming the official presence of a new legal subject in the international arena-the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. This legal ideology combined the spirit of modern Western jurisprudence with East Asian political traditions, transforming a political declaration into a legal document of lasting international and intrinsic value.

This served as the theoretical basis for Vietnam to be recognized as an independent nation with legal sovereignty like any other state.

Fifth, the ideology of peace, humanity, and national unity. The Declaration clearly expresses aspirations for peace and humanity: "We believe that the Allied powers, having recognized the principles of national equality... cannot fail to recognize the right to independence of the Vietnamese nation." "We unite the entire nation, without distinction of wealth, religion, or political party."

The Declaration embodies Ho Chi Minh Thought on national concord, calling on the entire population to unite in building a new nation and to transcend class, ethnic, and partisan animosities. At the same time, President Ho Chi Minh sent a message of peace to the world, affirming the right to live in independence, freedom, and peace. This is a manifestation of a profound humanistic ideology that places national interests and the people’s happiness above all else.

Steadfast in the goal of national independence bound to socialism

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Minh Son, Director of the Academy of Journalism and Communication, emphasizes that under Ho Chi Minh Thought, national independence inextricably tied to socialism forms the underlying ideological foundation of the Vietnamese revolution. Under this banner, the nation has achieved victories of historical stature. The Communist Party of Vietnam continues to affirm that, under all circumstances, it must unswervingly pursue the goal of national independence and socialism.

In the current era, independence is understood not only in terms of territorial integrity and national sovereignty, but also encompasses economic, political, and cultural independence, as well as cultural identity. A nation can hardly maintain political independence if it is economically dependent, nor can it safeguard its long-term independence if its culture and moral values are eroded.

To carry out the two strategic tasks of building and defending the Fatherland, it is essential to leverage internal strength while making effective use of favorable international conditions, combining national strength with the power of the times. Integration must be proactive and in line with national capacity, contributing to enhancing overall national strength and preserving cultural identity.

"Developing the country in the new era requires building sufficiently strong internal strength, first and foremost an independent and self-reliant economy, fully utilizing internal resources while effectively tapping international resources. Alongside economic development, it is necessary to build an advanced Vietnamese culture imbued with national identity, shaping a system of cultural values and human standards for Vietnamese people in the new era. Culture serves both as the spiritual foundation of society and as a driving force for socio-economic and political development, as well as for elevating national governance capacity."

 The ultimate goal of development is to continuously improve the material and spiritual lives of the people, as President Ho Chi Minh stated: "If a country is independent but its people do not enjoy freedom and happiness, that independence is meaningless."

Declaration of Independence puts people at the heart of national strength

VOV.VN - Vietnam’s Declaration of Independence, proclaimed by President Ho Chi Minh on September 2, 1945, not only affirmed national independence but also placed people at the center of the country’s historical development and national strength.