Final answer:
The Vietminh, led by Chi Minh, initially formed to seek Vietnamese independence from Japanese control during WWII and later from French colonial rule, driven by nationalist aspirations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Vietminh formed initially in Vietnam to fight for Vietnamese independence against both the Japanese occupation during World War II and later against French colonial rule. The Vietminh, led by Chi Minh, championed nationalism and sought to create an independent state free from foreign control. During the war, they received support from the United States as both parties had a common enemy in Japan. However, after the war, the US shifted its support to France as part of a broader stance against the spread of communism, leading to a conflict between the French and Vietminh. This conflict culminated at the battle of Dien Bien Phu, where the Vietminh emerged victorious, leading to the temporary division of Vietnam and setting the stage for future conflicts in the region.