The Empire of Vietnam was the name of the fascist government which controlled Vietnam in 1945, after a Japanese backed Coup de etat against the rump government of Vichy France which still controlled the region. It is notable for having unified the traditionally divided North Vietnam and South Vietnam, though this would not last, as following the Empire's surrender, it would be split between an insurgent controlled North and a French controlled South. Much of the Vietnamese Imperial Army would be integrated into the Viet Mien to continue the battle for independence