Role of religious groups in the development of anti-colonial feelings in Vietnam-
Religion played an important role in strengthening colonial control; it also provided ways of resistance in Vietnam.
• Vietnam’s religious beliefs were a mixture of Buddhism, Confucianism and local practices.
• Christianity introduced by French missionaries.
• Many religious movements were hostile to the Western presence.
• The revolt was led by officials at the Imperial Court angered by the spread of Catholic Church and French power.
• French crushed the movement but uprising served to inspire others.
• Scholars Revolt
• Hao Hoa Movement(1939)
• To be assessed as a whole.
Detailed Answer :
Religious groups played an important role in the development of anti-colonial movement in Vietnam –
(i) The French introduced Christianity in Vietnam in order to extend its cultural and social domination in Vietnam. They encouraged conversions.
(ii) Scholars Revolt broke out in 1868. The French suppressed this revolt but this uprising inspired the other patriots to rise up against them.
(iii) Popular uprisings took place in Ngu An and Hai Tien provinces and thousands of Catholics were killed.
(iv) The role of Hoa Hoa Movement led by Huynh – Phu – So in 1939 in Mekong delta region is also significant in the development of anti-colonial movement In Vietnam.
