The Vietnamese Independence Movement refers to the struggle of the Vietnamese people to gain independence from foreign rule, primarily from French colonialism and later Japanese occupation during World War II. This movement gained momentum in the early 20th century, with various nationalist groups advocating for self-determination and the end of colonial exploitation. A significant figure in this movement was Ho Chi Minh, who founded the Viet Minh in 1941. The movement culminated in the declaration of independence on September 2, 1945, following the end of World War II, leading to the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.