Question

why did french thought colonies are neccessary?

Answer 1

For the French, colonies were necessary because:

a. To establish control over natural resources and to ensure supply of raw materials and goods.

b. The French policy-makers wanted to educate the people of Vietnam, because they considered education as one way to civilize the “natives".  They were driven by the idea of a ‘Civilizing Mission’, and considered it their duty to bring modern ideas to the colony and to reshape its culture and also to have an educated labour force.

c. The objective was also to develop these colonies so as to improve standard of living of the people and improving their purchasing power who would then buy goods leading to profits for French businessmen.