French Indochina
Historical Background
French Indochina, officially known as the Indochinese Union (French: Union Indochinoise), was a grouping of French colonial territories in Southeast Asia. It comprised three Vietnamese regions of Tonkin (north), Annam (centre), and Cochinchina (south), as well as Cambodia, and later Laos and Kouang-Tchéou-Wan. The capital was moved from Saigon (in Cochinchina) to Hanoi (in Tonkin) in 1902.
Establishment
The establishment of French rule in Indochina began in 1858 with the invasion of Southern Vietnam. The French colonial empire was significantly expanded by the conquest of Central Vietnam in the 1880s and Northern Vietnam in the 1880s and 1890s. In 1887, the French Indochinese Union was created, linking the French colonies of Cochinchina, Annam, Tonkin, and Cambodia. Laos was added to the union after being conquered by France in 1893.
Colonial Administration
The French colonial administration governed the territories of French Indochina through a system of protectorates and direct rule. In the protectorates, the French left the traditional ruling structure intact and ruled indirectly through the local monarchs. In areas of direct rule, the French directly controlled the administration and made all key decisions. The French administration implemented significant political, social, and economic changes in the territories, including the introduction of the French language and Roman law, and the development of transport and communication networks.
Economic Impact
The French colonial rule had a profound impact on the economies of the territories of French Indochina. The French exploited the rich natural resources of the region, including rubber, rice, coal, and later oil. They also established plantations for the cultivation of cash crops such as coffee, tea, and tobacco. The French also developed the infrastructure in the region, building roads, railways, and ports to facilitate the export of these resources and crops. However, the economic benefits of these developments largely accrued to the French and the local elites, while the majority of the population remained poor and exploited.
Cultural Influence
The French colonial rule also had a significant cultural influence on the territories of French Indochina. The French language was widely taught in schools and used in administration, law, and business. French culture, including literature, music, and cuisine, also had a significant influence on the local cultures. However, the cultural influence was not one-way, and the French also adopted many aspects of the local cultures, including food, clothing, and art.
Nationalist Movements
The French colonial rule in Indochina was met with resistance from the local populations. Nationalist movements emerged in the early 20th century, demanding independence from French rule. These movements were initially led by the educated elites, but later broadened to include the peasantry and the urban working class. The nationalist movements were suppressed by the French, but they continued to grow in strength and influence.
World War II and Aftermath
During World War II, French Indochina was occupied by the Japanese. After the end of the war, the French attempted to reestablish control over Indochina, leading to the First Indochina War. The war ended in 1954 with the Geneva Accords, which divided Vietnam at the 17th parallel and granted independence to Cambodia and Laos. However, the division of Vietnam led to the Vietnam War, which ended in 1975 with the reunification of Vietnam under communist rule.
Legacy
The legacy of French colonial rule in Indochina is complex and controversial. On one hand, the French introduced many modern ideas and institutions, including the French language, Roman law, modern education, and infrastructure development. On the other hand, the French rule was often harsh and exploitative, leading to widespread poverty and resentment among the local populations. The French rule also set the stage for the conflicts and wars that followed the end of colonial rule.