JAPANESE PERSPECTIVE

1. JAPANESE PERSPECTIVE VIETNAMESE PERSPECTIVE

2. JAPANESE PERSPECTIVE The European colonisation of the C20th posed a military and economic threat to Japan. Japan’s response to the Wall St Crash was radical militarism. Dai Nippon Teikoku the Empire of Japan), under Tojo Hideki, had global ambitions. Indo-China was attractive because it would provide access to raw materials, and rice and rubber resources would feed and fuel the army. Japanese rule in Indo-China would also return Asia to the Asians. It was also a consideration that Japan had been at war with China since 1937, and Japanese control of North Vietnam would cut off China’s rail links. To save money and personnel, the Japanese decided to allow the French administration to run the country.

3. VIETNAMESE PERSPECTIVE Initially many Vietnamese welcomed the Japanese. They were impressed that fellow Asians had humbled a mighty European power. Japanese occupation was repressive, exploitative and cruel. The Japanese raped and hoarded the country’s natural resources. There was widespread famine. By 1945 approx 2 million people (25% of North Vietnam) had starved to death. Neither the Japanese, nor the quisling French regime, accepted responsibility for the famine. Resentment therefore grew and resistance movements were committed to getting rid of both occupying forces.