They were a puppet of the US; and not nearly as disciplined as Northerners.
Nicole Paulus has written: 'Drei Wochen im Lande Ho Chi Minhs'
One of Ho Chi Minh's heroes was George Washington, and he wanted to be the George Washington of his country, driving out the colonializing French. He first approached the American government, writing the President to ask for help in liberating his country. He got no response, or even an acknowledgement, from the Americans, so he approached the Communists. He probably found the American support of his enemies ironic, and disappointing.
Ho Chi Minh's campaign against France following World War II was significantly bolstered by his ability to unify nationalist sentiments with communist ideology, appealing to a broad base of support. His emphasis on anti-colonialism and self-determination resonated with the Vietnamese populace, while his leadership in the Viet Minh movement effectively organized resistance against French colonial rule. Additionally, the geopolitical context of the post-war era, marked by a global shift towards decolonization and the support of communist allies, further strengthened his position.
Ho Chi Minh and most of his key leaders were indoctrinated in the Soviet Union and Communist (Red) China. This newly trained "cadre" was then returned to Vietnam, where they trained their fellow countrymen.
Ho Chi Minh's campaign against France following World War II was primarily fueled by the rising nationalist sentiment in Vietnam, driven by the desire for independence and self-determination. The weakening of French colonial power after the war and the influence of anti-colonial movements worldwide also played critical roles. Additionally, Ho Chi Minh effectively utilized guerrilla warfare tactics and built a broad coalition of support among various Vietnamese factions, which helped galvanize resistance against French rule. His ability to frame the struggle for independence in ideological terms, linking it to broader themes of communism and social justice, further strengthened his position.