The ICP saw its opportunity to make headway in Vietnam during World War II when most of Southeast Asia was occupied by the Japanese. France avoided a direct confrontation with the Japanese by collaborating with them in Vietnam and the government was allowed to remain in power as long as the Japanese were able to move arms and supplies through the country to other areas. Plans changed in March 1945 as things grew more difficult for the Japanese in other areas of the world. They stated a coup d'etat against the French government and gained full control of Vietnam. By August, however, the Japanese surrendered after the Americans bombed the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
In 1941, after 30 years of exile, Ho Chi Minh returned to Vietnam and started a Communist party that became know as the Viet Minh. On the day of the Japanese surrender, the Viet Minh made a deal with the Japanese. They allowed the Japanese soldiers to leave peacefully, and the Japanese gave their arms to the Vietnamese before the return of the French. In August 1945, the Viet Minh launched a revolution which brought them to power. Emperor Bao Dai abdicated on August 25, 1945. On September 2, Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the independence of Vietnam and the creation of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Bao Dai handed over to the Viet Minh the sword and seal which were the traditional symbols of power.