Question

Explain any three steps taken by the French to achieve their aim to exploit the natural resources of Vietnam

Answer 1

(1) The French built canals and drained lands in the Mekong delta to increase rice cultivation. The vast system of irrigation works (canals and earthworks) were built with forced labour, to enable export of rice to the international market.
(2) Infrastructure projects were undertaken to help transport goods for trade, move military garrison and control the entire region.
(3) Construction of Trans-Indo China rail network was taken up to link northern and southern parts of Vietnam and China. Vietnam was linked to Siam (Thailand) via Phnom Penh capital of Cambodia.

Answer 2

Answer:

Following are three ways :

(i) The French built canals and drained land in the Mekong area to increase cultivation. The vast system of irrigation works, built mainly with forced labour, increased rice production and allowed export of rice to international markets. By 1931, Vietnam had become the third largest exporter of rice in the world.

(ii) The French followed rice production with infrastructure projects to help transport goods for trade, military garrisons and to control the whole region.

(iii) The construction of Trans-Indo-China rail network began to link northern and southern parts of Vietnam and China. The final link with Yunan was completed by 1910. A second line was built, linking Vietnam to Siam.