Question

Explan the vision of modernisation in Vietnam

Answer 1

Resistance in 19th century led mainly by Confucian scholars like Phan Boi Chau

1903- Phan Boi Chau formed the Revolutionary society (Duy Tan Hoi) with Prince Cuong De as head

met Chinese reformer Liang Qichao who influenced Phan's famous "The history of the Loss of Vietnam". The book became very popular and focused on:

1. loss of sovereignty

2. severing of ties with China which bound the elites of the two countries

Other reformer like Phan Chu Trihn opposed monarchy and was against resisting the French with the assistance of the court

wanted to establish a democratic republic

Influenced by western ideals of Democracy and liberty

demanded French set up legal and educational institutions and develop agriculture

For early nationalists, Japan and China were models of change, a safe haven for refugees from where the Asian network of revolutionaries against colonisers could be built.

"Go-east movement" became popular in early 20th century. The main idea was to learn and get help from the eastern powers like Japan and China by appealing as fellow Asians.

1907-08 – Appx 300 students went to Japan for modern education

The main objective was to drive out the French from Vietnam, overthrow the puppet emperor and re establish Nguyen dynasty

Japan has modernised itself and resisted colonisation- even defeating Russia in 1907

1908- Japanese Ministry of Interior started shutting Restoration society branches established

Phan Boi Chau among many others deported to China and Thailand

1911- Popular movement under Sun Yat sen overthrew the long standing monarchy and set up a Republic

Inspired by this, Vietnamese students established Association for the Restoration of Vietnam (Vietnam Quan Phuc Hoi). The objective changed from a constitutional monarchy to a democratic republic.