Question

Explain, with examples, how religious groups played an important role in the development of anti-colonial feelings in Vietnam.

Answer 1

In Vietnam, the missionary led proselytisation drive of the French government had led to much disenchantment among the locals. This anger exploded in the outbreak of the Scholars Revolt in 1868. It was led by officials of the imperial court opposed to the spread of Christianity. The Revolt led to the killing of over a thousand Catholics in Ngu An and Ha Tien provinces. There were many other religious movements and sects also which actively campaigned against the French government’s religious policies. Prominent amongst them was a movement known as Hoa Hao started by a leader named Huyinh Phu So. Despite continuous attempts by the French movement, this movement refused to die down and continued to inspire Vietnamese nationalists.