JAPANESE PERSPECTIVE

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JAPANESE PERSPECTIVE
VIETNAMESE PERSPECTIVE
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JAPANESE PERSPECTIVE The European colonisation
of the C20th posed a military and economic threat
to Japan. Japans 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 Chinas rail links. To save
money and personnel, the Japanese decided to
allow the French administration to run the
country.
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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 countrys 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.