How did the French colonize Vietnam?

France obtained control over northern Vietnam following its victory over China in the Sino-French War (1884–85). French Indochina was formed on 17 October 1887 from Annam, Tonkin, Cochinchina (which together form modern Vietnam) and the Kingdom of Cambodia; Laos was added after the Franco-Siamese War in 1893.

What did France introduce to Vietnam?

Certain ingredients—cauliflower, zucchini, pate and potatoes, among others—were introduced to Vietnam during the colonial years. Some dishes arose from the demands of French authorities and their families, while others came from Vietnamese cooks, incorporating their new ingredients.

What was Vietnam like before colonization?

Vietnam before French colonisation was a thriving Asian kingdom with a feudal social structure, heavily influenced by Confucianism and Buddhism. For centuries, Vietnam was controlled or dominated by its powerful northern neighbour, China.

How did French colonialism affect Vietnam?

Cultural impact Colonialism also produced a physical transformation in Vietnamese cities. Traditional local temples, pagodas, monuments and buildings, some of which had stood for a millennium, were declared derelict and destroyed. Buildings of French architecture and style were erected in their place.

What was Vietnam before the French?

Before the French came to Indochina, Vietnam, the Khmer Empire (Cambodia), and the Laotian Kingdom (Laos) were independent countries. Vietnam had been ruled by neighboring China for hundreds of years, but after centuries of resistance the Vietnamese people overthrew their Chinese rulers and became independent.

When did the French colonize Vietnam?

Vietnam became a French colony in 1877 with the founding of French Indochina, which included Tonkin, Annam, Cochin China and Cambodia. (Laos was added in 1893.) The French lost control of their colony briefly during World War II, when Japanese troops occupied Vietnam.