How was Vietnamese society affected by French rule up to 1930?

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How was Vietnamese society affected by French rule up to 1930?

The takeover of Vietnam by the French in 1887 affected Vietnam in numerous ways. The French took advantage of its increasing power in Vietnam to serve in the interest of its own people. Vietnamese colonisation provided many opportunities for the French to extend their wealth and reputation.

The colonisation of Vietnam exposed the nation to westernisation and resulted in many significant changes. These changes created a huge impact and affected Vietnamese society up to 1930 politically, economically and socially.

French rule resulted in many political changes of Vietnam. One of the major political changes made was the Treaty of Tientsin which announced the French control over the entire Vietnam. Although the emperor kept his title, he held an insignificant position and had no real power in the ruling of his people. This affected the reputation of the emperor as he was seen by his people as a divine lord. French control of Vietnam also implied that the local Vietnamese had no control or say over the political policies implemented by the French.

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Another impact on Vietnam was the fact that it was no longer an independent country but it formed a part of the French’s existing colony, Indochina. Vietnam also lost its sense of unity due to the decision by the French to create three separate administrative areas which were named Tonkin, Annam and Cochinchina.

The French control in government also led to economic changes such as the creation of official monopolies on salt, alcohol, opium and other products.

The economic changes imposed by the French were aimed to create vast amounts of profit and thus, increase its wealth. This ...

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