ORGANIZING CULTURAL AND SPIRITUAL LIFE IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM DURING THE WAR: THE CASE OF VINH LINH (1954–1975)

Abstract

This study investigates the organization of cultural and spiritual life in Vinh Linh Special Zone, a frontline territory of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam from 1954 to 1975. Positioned adjacent to the 17th parallel, Vinh Linh endured severe wartime devastation while simultaneously serving as a strategic stronghold in the struggle for national liberation. Drawing upon archival sources, policy documents, and historical accounts, the research highlights how culture was mobilized as both a spiritual resource and a “soft weapon” to sustain resilience, foster patriotism, and reinforce collective identity. The findings demonstrate that cultural activities, ranging from education, literature, and arts to community rituals, were systematically organized to strengthen morale, unify the population, and support the broader mission of liberating the South and reunifying the nation. The case of Vinh Linh illustrates the enduring role of culture as a decisive factor in wartime society, reflecting the broader Vietnamese revolutionary perspective that culture constitutes one of the three essential fronts alongside politics and economics. This article contributes to the understanding of wartime cultural policy and underscores the significance of cultural resilience in contexts of prolonged armed conflict.