From the mission to the protectorate. Vietnam towards the French colonial expan-sion in the second half of the 19th century

Abstract

This dissertation provides an in-depth analysis of the interactions between French colonial forces and Vietnam from 1858 to 1897, focusing on the roles of Catholic missionaries, colonial strategies, and the responses of the Nguyen Dynasty and the Vietnamese populace. The study aims to systematically address the French invasion's chronological progression, the Nguyen Dynasty's political and military reactions, and the resilient resistance of the Vietnamese people during this tumultuous period. The primary objectives are to elucidate the Nguyen Dynasty court's responses and the Vietnamese people's reactions to French colonial invasions and expansionist policies. The dissertation hypothesizes that the French strategically employed Catholicism to create favorable conditions for their invasion, and that the varied responses from the Nguyen court and the Vietnamese populace significantly influenced the trajectory and nature of French colonial rule. To test these hypotheses, a multi-method approach was utilized, including archival research, analysis of diplomatic treaties and peace agreements, and a thorough review of contemporary historical documents from both French and Vietnamese perspectives. Key findings reveal that the Nguyen Dynasty's conciliatory and often ineffective responses ultimately facilitated the French colonial conquest, as evidenced by a series of treaties that progressively eroded Vietnamese sovereignty. Conversely, the Vietnamese people's persistent resistance, exemplified by movements such as the Can Vuong, underscored a deep-seated patriotic fervor and a relentless struggle for national independence. This resistance played a critical role in shaping both the strategies of French colonial administration and the broader narrative of Vietnamese resistance. The dissertation also examines the profound impact of French colonial policies on Vietnamese society, including significant transformations in social structures, economic practices, and cultural dynamics. The research highlights how the French colonial exploitation policies and administrative changes under figures like Paul Doumer marked a definitive shift in Vietnam's colonial experience. Ultimately, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex and often contentious history of Franco-Vietnamese relations in the 19th century, shedding light on the broader implications of colonial encounters and resistance movements in shaping national identities and historical trajectories.