In 1945 Ho Chi Minh gave a speech declaring Vietnam's independence. Vietnam's impotence came after being exploited by the Japanese and French. “The first lines of his speech repeated verbatim the famous second paragraph of the American Declaration of Independence of 1776.” (Ho Chi Minh, 1945) Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Ho's speech proclaiming Vietnam's independence contains a demand that the free world support such independence partly as payment for services rendered during World War II. What "service" did Vietnam render during that conflict? I stated that the Vietnamese people sacrificed so much during World War II. The French exploited Vietnam economically during the war and the fighting between France and Japan spilled over into Vietnam. The Vietnamese people found themselves caught in the middle and suffered greatly. They were left in abject poverty. Many were near death due to malaria and starvation. I felt that because the people of Vietnam had suffered so great injustices and sacrificed so much, Vietnam deserved the world's support regarding its independence from France and Japan. Ho also refers to the long-term sacrifices that Vietnam has endured, he said: “However, for more than eighty years, the French imperialists, abusing the standards of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity, have violated our Fatherland and oppressed the our fellow citizens. They acted contrary to the ideals of humanity and justice." (Ho Chi Minh, 1945) Ho asserts that Vietnam's independence is consistent with the philosophical principles that the Allies argued were fundamental during World War II. What principles was Ho referring to and does he refer to occasions when these principles were reaffirmed? Ho is referring to the principles on which both the United States and French Constitutions are founded. These principles are freedom, equality and freedom. He quoted the United States Declaration of Independence and said: “All people of the earth are equal from birth, all people have the right to live, to be happy and free.” (Ho Chi Minh, 1945) He then referred to France's declaration of independence which reiterates that all men are equal and have the right to be free. I stated that France violated its beliefs by “abusing the standards of liberty, equality and fraternity.” Of the people of Vietnam.Ho refers to Tehran and San Francisco in his speech. He stated: "We are convinced that the allied nations who in Tehran and San Francisco recognized the principles of self-determination and equality of nations, will not refuse to recognize the independence of Vietnam." (Ho Chi Minh, 1945) In the speech, Ho mentions the crimes committed by the French during the occupation of Vietnam. Which crimes, as you read them, were in your opinion more serious and justified. Vietnamese independence? The French were ruthless and committed many heinous crimes against the Vietnamese people. More than half of Ho's speech talks about crimes committed against his people. One of Ho's most significant statements was “They have built more prisons than schools. They mercilessly killed our patriots; they drowned our revolts in rivers of blood." (Ho Chi Minh, 1945) This statement says a lot, it describes a serious situation. The Vietnamese people have been denied knowledge, education and the opportunity to have a political voice. The French exploited Vietnam's resources so much that its people were left in poverty and famine. Please note: this is just an example..