Describe the role of religious groups in the development of anti-colonial feeling in Vietnam.
In Vietnam, the French tried to control all areas of private and public life. People in Vietnam believed in Buddhism, Confucianism and local practices. They had an easy going attitude. They revered the supernatural powers. The Christianity, however, could not tolerate such feelings of the Vietnamese. This resulted in the following movements that were hostile to the western presence : The Scholars Revolt in 1868 — This revolt was led by officials at the imperial court angered by the spread of Catholicism and French power. This led to general uprising in Ngu An and Ha Tien provinces. The French crushed the movement but this uprising served to inspire other patriots to rise up against them. Hoa Hao in 1939 — See Textbook Exercise Question 1(6). These movements were against the French and played an important role in arousing feelings of nationalism among the Vietnamese people. Also see next questions on Phan Boi Chou and ‘Go East Movement’.
