The 1920–1930 Period: Ideology of the Vietnamese Revolution
The 1920–1930 period was crucial for the Vietnamese Revolution, marking the transition from traditional patriotism to Marxist-Leninist principles. This decade saw the establishment of key revolutionary organizations, the widespread propagation of new political thought through influential publications like Thanh Niên, and the successful preparation of the ideological and organizational groundwork necessary for the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam in February 1930.
Key Takeaways
Shifted Vietnamese revolution toward Marxist-Leninist ideology.
Key publications like Le Paria and Thanh Niên spread new ideas.
Revolutionary organizations trained cadres and built a domestic base.
Ideological foundation centered on national independence and socialism.
Culminated in the unification of communist groups in early 1930.
How did journalistic activities contribute to the Vietnamese Revolution (1920–1930)?
Journalistic activities served as the primary vehicle for propagating new revolutionary ideas and mobilizing support among colonial peoples during this formative decade. Beginning in 1922, publications established abroad provided a crucial forum for denouncing colonial oppression and introducing modern political theories. These newspapers were instrumental in shifting the focus of the national liberation movement, moving away from traditional monarchist or reformist approaches toward a unified, proletarian-based struggle. By establishing a consistent media presence, revolutionaries effectively prepared the intellectual groundwork necessary for the subsequent formation of a unified political party and the training of future leaders.
- Báo Người cùng khổ (Le Paria): Launched in Paris in 1922 as a forum to propagate the colonial liberation movement.
- Báo Thanh Niên (Youth Newspaper): Established in Guangzhou in 1925 with the purpose of propagating Marxism-Leninism and preparing forces for the future Party.
What revolutionary organizations were established during the 1920–1930 period?
Several pivotal revolutionary organizations were established between 1921 and 1930, providing the necessary structure and training for the burgeoning movement. These groups transitioned the struggle from isolated patriotic efforts into a coordinated, ideologically driven force. The organizations focused on linking the Vietnamese struggle with broader international anti-colonial movements, training dedicated political cadres, and building a robust domestic base among workers and peasants. This organizational development culminated in the unification of various communist factions, successfully laying the organizational foundation for a unified national party.
- Colonial Union (Hội Liên hiệp các dân tộc bị áp bức): Established in Paris in July 1921, marking the beginning of joint struggle linkage among colonial peoples.
- Vietnam Revolutionary Youth League (VNCMTN): Founded in Guangzhou in 1925, functioning as a cadre training center and developing the domestic revolutionary base.
- Establishment of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV): Achieved through the unification of communist organizations (late 1929 – early 1930), formalized at the Kowloon Conference on February 3, 1930.
How did the core ideology of the Vietnamese Revolution form between 1920 and 1930?
The core ideology formed through a decisive shift toward Marxist-Leninist principles, moving away from traditional patriotic viewpoints. This transformation began in 1920 when key figures participated in founding the French Communist Party, signaling a strong commitment to the proletarian revolutionary viewpoint. The adoption of Lenin's Thesis on the National and Colonial Questions in July 1920 was critical, providing the theoretical framework. This process solidified the core ideological tenet that national independence must be intrinsically linked to socialism, emphasizing the necessary alliance between the working class and the national liberation movement to achieve lasting freedom.
- Shift towards Marxism-Leninism: Initiated by participating in the founding of the French Communist Party in 1920, transitioning from traditional patriotism to a proletarian revolutionary viewpoint.
- Identifying the Correct Path to National Salvation: Based on adopting Lenin's Thesis on the National and Colonial Questions (July 1920).
- Core Ideology: National independence linked to socialism, emphasizing the alliance of workers with the national liberation movement.
What were the most influential representative works of the 1920–1930 period?
Two representative works were instrumental in shaping the political consciousness and providing theoretical guidance for the revolution during this decade. These texts served both as powerful indictments of the colonial regime and as practical guides for revolutionary action. They systematically exposed the brutality of French rule while simultaneously articulating the new ideological path forward. By compiling essential political lessons and defining the relationship between national liberation and global proletarian movements, these works ensured that the emerging revolutionary cadres were unified under a clear, consistent, and theoretically sound political program.
- *French Colonialism on Trial* (Bản án chế độ thực dân Pháp) (1925): Denounced French colonial crimes (impoverishment, exploitation, oppression) and proposed the unity of the proletariat and colonial peoples.
- *The Revolutionary Path* (Đường Cách Mệnh) (1927): A compilation of lectures for VNCMTN cadre training, laying the ideological foundation that National Independence is linked to Socialism, and recognized as "The first political textbook."
Why was the 1920–1930 period significant for the Vietnamese Revolution?
This period holds profound significance as it successfully laid the comprehensive groundwork—ideological, organizational, and human—for the birth of the Communist Party of Vietnam. It marked the successful propagation of Marxism-Leninism as the guiding theory, replacing outdated political models. Practically, the establishment of revolutionary press organs and cadre training centers ensured that the movement had both the intellectual tools and the trained personnel required for mass mobilization. The rapid growth of the Vietnam Revolutionary Youth League and the worker-peasant bloc provided the necessary prerequisites, culminating in the Party's formal establishment in March 1930.
- Paving the way for the Party and New Ideology: Achieved through the theoretical propagation of Marxism-Leninism and practical actions like organizing the press, training cadres, and linking movements.
- Preparation for the establishment of the CPV: Built upon the growth of the VNCMTN and the worker-peasant bloc (1927-1930).
- Result: Sufficient preparation of ideological, organizational, and human factors for the Party's birth in March 1930.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary role of the newspaper Le Paria?
Le Paria (The Pariah), launched in Paris in 1922, served as a crucial forum. Its primary role was propagating the colonial liberation movement and uniting the struggles of oppressed peoples against French imperialism.
What core ideological principle was established during this period?
The core ideological principle established was that national independence must be intrinsically linked to socialism. This concept emphasized the necessary alliance between the working class (proletariat) and the national liberation movement.
When and where was the Communist Party of Vietnam officially founded?
The Communist Party of Vietnam was officially founded following the unification of various communist organizations. This process culminated in the Kowloon Conference (Hội nghị Cửu Long) on February 3, 1930.
