Imagine a world where Vietnam gained independence much earlier, where the Americans and Vietnamese stood together as allies. This almost happened, but a small act of history changed everything. During the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, a young Vietnamese student named Ho Chi Minh, working as a kitchen assistant at the Hotel Ritz, sent a petition to the American delegation.
Ho Chi Minh, inspired by President Woodrow Wilson’s ideals of self-determination, pleaded for American support in ending French rule over Vietnam. He envisioned a future where Vietnam, free from colonial oppression, would join the ranks of independent nations. But his hopes were dashed. His plea, coming from an obscure figure and a seemingly unimportant nation, was ignored.
This rejection, a turning point in history, pushed Ho Chi Minh toward another powerful force: Russia. Little did anyone know then that this young man would become the leader of a nation, fighting bloody battles for independence against the French. He would eventually spark the “Domino Effect“, triggering the devastating Vietnam War. This missed opportunity could have shaped the world differently, creating a Vietnam allied with the West and perhaps avoiding the bloodshed that followed.
A Meeting at the Metropole
Fast forward to 1946, when negotiations for a Vietnamese “free state” within the French Union began. Ho Chi Minh, now a symbol of Vietnamese freedom, arrived at the Hotel Metropole for a crucial meeting. The atmosphere was tense, with Ho Chi Minh arriving alone and Nguyen Hai Than, the President of Vietnam’s Quamingtang, arriving with bodyguards.
Their attempt to enter the hotel’s revolving door, seeking a sense of security, turned into a comical scene. They got stuck! Minutes passed, and their vulnerability exposed them to potential danger. Fortunately, the porters quickly dismantled the door, allowing the conference to finally begin.
The Treaty of Versailles: A Treaty of Peace?
The Treaty of Versailles, signed after World War I, was intended to bring peace to a war-torn Europe. This monumental treaty, signed at the opulent Versailles Palace, aimed to reshape the world order. Powerful figures like David Lloyd George, Georges Clemenceau, and Woodrow Wilson negotiated its terms.
The palace’s grandeur was fitting, given the sheer scale of the event, requiring the presence of hundreds of delegates. While some wanted Germany, still reeling from defeat, to be severely punished, others advocated for a more measured approach.
Vietnam During World War I: Sacrifices and Oppression
While the world was embroiled in World War I, Vietnam, a French colony, felt its devastating effects. France, desperate for manpower and resources, forced many Vietnamese men into service.
These “volunteers”, conscripted by the French authorities, were sent to fight in Europe. Their forced recruitment triggered unrest and riots throughout Cochinchina.
The human cost of this conflict was high, with over 12,000 Vietnamese soldiers losing their lives in World War I. Their sacrifices, however, were largely overlooked, overshadowed by the struggles of the European powers.
