Vietnamese history

Vietnamese history

Vietnamese history is a centuries-old struggle for freedom and independence. The Vietnamese people have experienced many difficult moments through different eras and, nevertheless, they have achieved their independence and now, when you come to this country, you meet happy, smiling and hospitable people, although, of course, the history of Vietnam has left its mark on the mentality and mind of the nation. And the history of Vietnam is covered with beautiful legends, that are also worth mentioning.

History Of Vietnam: the country’s path to independence and unity

Before you go to travel to a new and unexplored country, it is useful to get acquainted with its history, because the present of any state is formed under the influence of a chain of historical events that shape the lifestyle of the country’s inhabitants and their character.

A burial was found on the territory of Vietnam, referred to 3rd century BC by scientists. The documented history of the country begins on this date.

Chinese domination over Vietnam

The history of Vietnam is inextricably linked with China. In 207 BC, Chinese general Zhao Tuo proclaimed his power over the country, that was called Nam Viet back then, and later swore allegiance to the Han emperor. The Vietnamese remained under the yoke of China for nearly a thousand years. Of course, the Vietnamese made attempts to throw off the foreign rule. Take Trung Sisters, for example, these aristocrats are still considered to be national heroines.

In 938, the Vietnamese finally managed to defeat the Chinese army and their independence was restored. But, when compared with other Asian countries — Chams, Khmers and Thais, influenced by India, the development of Vietnam was a subject of Chinese influence.

And the liberation wars against the Chinese started again in XIV century in Central Vietnam.

The Vietnamese conquest neighboring lands

The Vietnamese decided to spread their influence to the South and began the conquest of Champa, an ancient Hindu kingdom. As a result, the kingdom of Champa reduced to a very tiny size in the XIV century.

In the middle of the XVIII century, the Vietnamese began the conquest of the Mekong Delta, which was under the rule of Cambodia. In the course of these operations, Vietnam obtained Prey Nokor settlement, which was renamed to Saigon.

In the XIX century, the Cham resistance was completely broken.

Vietnamese history

French colony

At the beginning of the XVI century, the first Europeans arrived in Vietnam. A little later in 1527 the country divided. The south of the country was dominated by the Nguyen dynasty, and the north – by the Mac dynasty (the most popular second name on the south is still Nguyen).

By the XVII century, the French began to spread Catholicism in the central and southern regions of the country. One French priest developed the Romanesque writing, used by the Vietnamese to this day. That is, people here do not use hieroglyphs for writing since the XVII century, but write in Latin with subscript and superscript characters, that denote the tonalities of the language (almost like in music), instead.

In 1858, the French colonizers seized Da Nang and Saigon, and in 1883, Vietnam became a French protectorate (colony).

Of course, the proud Vietnamese did not want to submit to France. The future leader of Vietnam Ho Chi Minh organized his compatriots so that they could resist French imperialism.

In 1940, the country was occupied by the Japanese (at that time the Second World War had already started), but the colonial French administration continued to function. When Japan surrendered in 1945, emperor Bao Dai resigned and Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the independence of Vietnam.

The French tried to restore their colonial rule. From 1945 to 1954 there were actions for the independence of the country, and the French were defeated.

Since that time, Vietnam was divided into two parts: the northern part followed the path of socialism under the leadership of Ho Chi Minh, and the southern part of Vietnam was under the influence of the United States.

The Vietnam war of the north against the south (the socialist north of Vietnam against the south of Vietnam under US influence)

USA, viewing the events in Vietnam as part of the communist expansion, supported France, and then replaced it in the struggle for the south of Vietnam. The actions of the pro-American government soon began to cause discontent among residents of South Vietnam. And then, in 1957, guerrilla war began.

In 1960, the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam was created with the support of the North. The guerrillas created a system of underground tunnels. This way, the miniature Vietnamese managed to strike from the rear and quickly disappear. Currently, not far from Saigon, you can see Cu Chi tunnels, where Vietnamese guerrillas lived and fought, that were expanded so the tourists could see them.

In 1965, the United States began aerial bombardment of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and rebellious areas of South Vietnam. US military units were also sent here. These military operations affected about one and a half million people in Vietnam.

In 1968, peace negotiations began between the United States and North Vietnam. The US troops started to leave the country gradually. In 1973, the Paris peace agreement was signed, but the conflict continued until 1975. The Northern and Southern parts of the country merged into one state in July, 1976.

Despite the wars and attacks of the invaders, the people of Vietnam have not lost their optimism and Asian vitality, and modern Vietnam is developing rapidly.

History Of Vietnam: myths and legends

Vietnamese like to surround themselves with beautiful legends. Therefore, the history of their people is also associated with magic legend.

The inhabitants of the country believe the dragon and the fairy to be their ancestors. The dragon loved the water and was famous for his naval victories, and the fairy was the daughter of the spirit of the mountains and lived on land. As a result of this union, a hundred sons were born — beautiful, intelligent, and capable. But the dragon missed and offered the fairy to share their sons. Fifty of them stayed with their mother and became the ancestors of the mountain nations of the country, the Au Viet, and another fifty went to the sea with their father and became the ancestors of the Lak Viet.

The eldest son of the dragon founded the first dynasty, an its name was Hung. Eighteen rulers of this dynasty had sat on the throne, before the Au Viets seized the state and created a new one, which became known as Au Lac.

Today, many attractions are named after the dragon and the fairy, including a beautiful and fabulous Fairy Stream near Mui Ne. You can arrange a tour there by your own or with us.

More about history of Vietnam Calculate tour to Vietnam

English - Vietnamese phrasebook

"Hi", "thanks", the names of the dishes and some Vietnamese numerals to bargain at the market are what you need first.
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