The Viet Minh was formed in the 1940's, it was a nationalist group that wanted an independent Vietnam. At that time, Vietnam was under French control with Laos and Cambodia (Indochina), this control lasted more than sixty years. Their type of colonialism was characterized by being very aggressive, not respecting inhabitant’s rights at all. The Viet Minh leader, also founded the Indochina Communist Party. These groups condemned French colonialism and thought they were ready to govern themselves.
Commanders encouraged their soldiers to be as brutal as possible. American battle casualities estimated at 49,151, including 12,500 killed or missing. Japanese soldiers killed were about 60,000.
