Ho Chi Minh, a prominent revolutionary leader and key figure in the Vietnamese independence movement, announced the formation of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam on September 2, 1945, in Hanoi. This proclamation came following the end of World War II and the abdication of the last emperor of the Nguyễn dynasty, Bảo Đại, which left a power vacuum in Vietnam. The Viet Minh, a communist-led nationalist coalition, seized the opportunity to establish a new government and unify various factions striving for independence from colonial powers. In his speech, Ho Chi Minh declared that all Vietnamese were equal under the banner of freedom and strongly emphasized the desire for national sovereignty. The declaration also included references to the United States' founding documents, highlighting the influence of Western liberal ideals when seeking legitimacy on the global stage.

The context of the proclamation can be traced to decades of struggle against colonial rule, dating back to French colonization in the 19th century and subsequent nationalist movements. The end of World War II transformed global power dynamics, leading to the weakening of colonial empires. In Vietnam, this created a ripe environment for revolutionary movements to challenge the colonial authority, and the Viet Minh gained popular support by advocating for land reforms and social justice. Recognizing the volatile situation, the Viet Minh quickly moved to assert control, forming a provisional government and calling for the withdrawal of foreign powers from Vietnam.

Following the proclamation, Ho Chi Minh and the Viet Minh struggled to maintain control amid rising tensions with French colonial interests and opposing factions, eventually leading to the First Indochina War. The declaration laid the groundwork for Vietnam's future struggles for independence and ultimately resulted in a broader conflict that shaped the region for decades to come.