On 2 March 1946, Ho Chi Minh was elected as the president of North Vietnam, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's history as it sought independence from colonial rule.
As the leader of the Viet Minh, Ho Chi Minh had already played a crucial role in the August Revolution of 1945, which led to the declaration of Vietnamese independence from French and Japanese control.
His election by the newly formed National Assembly cemented his authority, reinforcing his vision of a sovereign, communist Vietnam. However, this period was fraught with challenges, as French forces sought to reclaim control, ultimately leading to the First Indochina War.
Ho Chi Minh’s presidency not only symbolised Vietnam’s defiance against colonialism but also set the stage for the prolonged struggle that would define the country's path in the coming decades.
