In the tide of Vietnamese history, Spring signifies more than the rebirth of nature; it is a potent symbol of pivotal turning points and historic decisions, closely associated with the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam. Looking back over nearly a century, each "historic Springtime" bears the profound imprint of the Party's mettle, wisdom, and guiding vision, inaugurating new stages of development for the Vietnamese revolution—from securing national independence to building and defending the Homeland, and advancing toward the aspiration for a prosperous, civilized, and happy development
The Spring of 1930 was the seminal spring of the modern Vietnamese revolution. Amidst a profound crisis of direction and leadership within the patriotic movement in the early 20th century, the birth of the Communist Party of Vietnam (February 3, 1930) answered the urgent requirements of the nation. From that point forward, the Vietnamese revolution was led by a true revolutionary vanguard, endowed with the resolve and wisdom to lead the entire nation. “That is the Party of the proletariat. The Party will guide the proletariat to lead the Annam revolution in the struggle to liberate all of our oppressed and exploited brothers and sisters” [1].
The Spring of 1930 marked a fundamental turning point—for the first time, the Vietnamese nation's path was clearly charted: national independence associated with socialism. This was not only a choice consistent with the laws of historical development but also the crystallization of the thousand-year aspiration of the Vietnamese people for a fair, free, and happy society. From that Spring, the Vietnamese revolution entered a new chapter—one of unified will and action under the leadership of the Party.
The Spring of 1941 held profound significance for the nation's destiny. After thirty years of traveling abroad in search of a path to save the country, Nguyen Ai Quoc (later President Ho Chi Minh) returned to the Homeland to directly lead the Vietnamese revolution. This return signified more than the homecoming of an elite son of the nation; it represented the convergence of revolutionary theory with the reality of the domestic movement. At Pac Bo (Cao Bang), he and the Party Central Committee convened the 8th Plenum of the Party Central Committee (May 1941), which determined that “the task of national liberation and independence for the country is the foremost task of our Party” [2] —the task of national liberation was supreme. This led to the establishment of the Viet Minh Front, the development of revolutionary base areas, and the preparation of forces for the general uprising. The Spring of 1941 laid the decisive groundwork for the victory of the August Revolution in 1945. Under the leadership of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh, the Vietnamese people rose up to seize power nationwide, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and opening a new era —the era of national independence associated with the People's right to mastery.
Continuing that historic momentum, the Spring of 1946 marked a political and legal event of great historical significance: the first General Election to elect the 1st National Assembly of independent Vietnam, which took place on January 6, 1946. For the first time in history, the Vietnamese people fully exercised the rights and obligations of citizens, directly choosing representatives for their will and aspirations. This election served as powerful testament to the democratic and progressive nature of the new government led by the Party. Simultaneously, it affirmed the legitimacy of the fledgling revolutionary State amidst an extremely complex context of "internal foes and external invaders". This democratic Spring of 1946 the foundation for the revolutionary rule-of-law State, affirming civil rights and the People's mastery—a consistent value in the Party's thoughts and guidelines.
The Spring of 1951 stands as another critical milestone in the Party's leadership history. The 2nd National Party Congress was organized while the resistance against the French colonialists was in a fierce stage (February 1951). The Congress summarized practical experiences, developed, and perfected the line of a nationwide, comprehensive, and protracted resistance war, founded primarily on self-reliance; at the same time, it decided to bring the Party into public operation under the name of the Vietnam Workers' Party. The strategic decisions from the Spring of 1951 created a solid political, ideological, and organizational basis for the entire nation to move toward decisive victory. Nine years of protracted resistance culminated in the historic Dien Bien Phu victory in 1954—a victory that "resounded across continents and shook the globe"—shattering the reign of classical colonialism and resoundingly affirming the Party's strategic wisdom and leadership mettle during the revolution's most arduous trials.
The pinnacle of the "historic Springtimes" in the 20th century was Spring of 1975—the spring of ultimate victory, ending 21 years of resistance against the U.S. for national salvation, completely liberating the South, and reunifying the country. That victory was the result of a correct and creative revolutionary line; the power of great national unity; and the burning aspiration for independence and freedom with the spirit of "NOTHING IS MORE PRECIOUS THAN INDEPENDENCE AND FREEDOM"[3]. From the Spring of 1975 onward, the Vietnamese nation embarked on a new era—the era of the entire country advancing toward socialism, focusing on national construction and defense.
A pivotal new chapter began with the "Spring of Doi Moi (Renovation)" initiated after the Party's 6th National Congress (1986). With the spirit of "facing the truth, acknowledging the truth" the Party courageously innovated its thinking and led the comprehensive renovation of the country. As we reflect on 40 years of Doi Moi, with great achievements of historical significance, including the outstanding contributions of the 13th Congress term, we have every basis to affirm: “Our Party's Doi Moi line is entirely correct, suitable for Vietnam's reality and the development trends of the era ” [4]. These continued successes reaffirm the Party's irreplaceable role as the leading force of the Vietnamese revolution.
Looking toward the future, the Spring of 2026 brings a new spirit, new confidence, and new opportunities for the nation. The entire country joyfully welcomes the success of the 14th National Congress of the Party—a momentous political event with strategic orientation for the country's next stage of development. The entire Party, people, and army are determined to successfully implement the Resolution of the 14th Congress with unwavering faith and practical action. Along with that, the elections for the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels will take place, continuing to affirm the People's mastery in the socialist rule-of-law State. The Spring of 2026 is not only a continuation of the tradition of historical springs but also opens the expectation of leading the country into a new era of development, realizing the aspiration for a strong and prosperous Vietnam by 2030 and the vision toward 2045.
On the threshold of this new Spring, we recall the words of General Secretary To Lam in his article "Steadfastly Advancing Under the Party's Banner" on the 96th anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (February 3, 1930 – February 3, 2026): "Today, looking back on the journey of nearly a century, we proudly affirm: Under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, from a nation of enslavement and poverty, Vietnam has risen to become an independent, unified, and self-reliant country, holding an increasingly esteemed position in the international arena" [5].
Reviewing these "historic Springtimes" under the Party's leadership affirms a consistent truth: every victory of the Vietnamese revolution is inseparable from the Party's correct and creative leadership and the consensus and collective strength of the people. From the seminal Spring of 1930 to the aspiring Spring of 2026, it is a journey of constant innovation, steadfastly pursuing the goals of national independence and socialism, for the happiness of the People and the longevity of the nation. That faith will continue to be a great spiritual resource, guiding Vietnam to step firmly on the path of development in the Springs of the future.
"The Party has given us a Spring full of hope
A fresh Spring overflowing with light everywhere
The Party has brought back youth to the nation
The sound of singing resonates, filled with the love of life"
[1] Ho Chi Minh: Complete Works, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2011, Vol. 3, p. 22.
[2] Communist Party of Vietnam: Complete Party Documents, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2000, Vol. 7, p. 119.
[3] Ho Chi Minh: Complete Works, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2011, Vol. 15, p. 131.
[4] Excerpt from General Secretary To Lam's speech at the opening of the 14th Congress.
[5] Excerpt from the article "Steadfastly Stepping under the Party's Flag" by General Secretary To Lam.