Question

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

Answer 1

Some of the steps taken by the French to exploit the natural resources in Vietnam are:

Extensive canal and artificial drainage projects were taken up by the French to increase irrigation for the cultivation of rice. The increased yield thereafter was exported. Forced labour was used to construct these canals and irrigation projects.Large infrastructure projects were undertaken to transport goods and military garrisons. These infrastructure projects like roads were constructed at the cost of natural resources like forests and the countryside.

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.