Welcome!

Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.

Cochinchina campaign Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

Study Hints Create Teach
Global Score: 0
Trophies: 0 🏆

‹ Back

Score: 0 / 100

Study Guide: The Cochinchina Campaign: French Colonial Expansion in Vietnam

Cheat Sheet:
The Cochinchina Campaign: French Colonial Expansion in Vietnam Study Guide

Origins and Justifications of the Cochinchina Campaign

The initial objective of the Franco-Spanish expedition was primarily to punish the Vietnamese rulers for executing Catholic missionaries.

Answer: True

Explanation: The primary impetus for the Franco-Spanish expedition was punitive, targeting Vietnamese authorities responsible for the execution of Catholic missionaries.

Return to Game

Emperor Napoleon III intended for the Cochinchina campaign to remain a limited punitive action.

Answer: False

Explanation: Emperor Napoleon III's strategic objectives for the Cochinchina campaign extended beyond a mere punitive action, involving significant troop deployments aimed at establishing French territorial and economic dominance.

Return to Game

Emperor Gia Long believed France had fully honored the Treaty of Versailles (1787) by providing substantial official support.

Answer: False

Explanation: Emperor Gia Long contended that France had not adequately honored the Treaty of Versailles (1787), arguing that the assistance provided was primarily from private individuals rather than official state support.

Return to Game

By the mid-19th century, the Roman Catholic leadership in Vietnam was predominantly Vietnamese.

Answer: False

Explanation: By the mid-19th century, the majority of Roman Catholic clergy, including bishops and priests serving the Vietnamese community, were French or Spanish, not Vietnamese.

Return to Game

The execution of French missionaries in 1857 was the sole reason Napoleon III authorized the expedition.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the execution of missionaries was a significant factor, Napoleon III's decision was also influenced by concurrent French military actions in China and broader imperial ambitions.

Return to Game

Napoleon III justified the intervention in Vietnam using the concept of the 'Mission Civilisatrice'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The concept of a 'civilizing mission' (Mission Civilisatrice) was employed as a justification for French military intervention and subsequent colonial endeavors in Vietnam.

Return to Game

Emperor Gia Long felt France had failed to honor which treaty concerning prior assistance?

Answer: Treaty of Versailles (1787)

Explanation: Emperor Gia Long believed that France had not fulfilled its obligations under the Treaty of Versailles (1787), which had stipulated French assistance during his earlier struggles.

Return to Game

According to Gia Long's perspective, what was the nature of the aid he received from French individuals?

Answer: Primarily from volunteers and adventurers

Explanation: Gia Long contended that the French aid he received originated primarily from volunteers and adventurers, such as Pierre Pigneau de Behaine, rather than from official governmental support.

Return to Game

Who comprised the majority of the Catholic clergy in Vietnam by the mid-19th century?

Answer: French and Spanish bishops and priests

Explanation: By the mid-19th century, the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church in Vietnam, including bishops and priests, was predominantly composed of French and Spanish nationals.

Return to Game

Besides the execution of missionaries, what contemporary event influenced Napoleon III's decision to launch the expedition in 1857?

Answer: The Opium War in China

Explanation: Napoleon III's decision to authorize the expedition in 1857 coincided with France's military engagement in the Second Opium War in China, providing a strategic context for broader actions in the region.

Return to Game

Military Operations and Key Engagements

The Cochinchina campaign constituted exclusively a French military endeavor against the Vietnamese Nguyễn dynasty.

Answer: False

Explanation: The historical record confirms that the Cochinchina campaign was a joint military operation undertaken by the French Empire and the Kingdom of Spain against the Vietnamese Nguyễn dynasty.

Return to Game

Vietnamese engineers were unable to replicate the advanced Vaubanesque citadel design.

Answer: False

Explanation: Vietnamese engineers demonstrated the capability to replicate advanced fortification designs, successfully reproducing the 18th-century Vaubanesque citadel of Saigon.

Return to Game

The Franco-Spanish naval expedition first landed and captured Tourane (Da Nang) in September 1858.

Answer: True

Explanation: The initial landing and capture of Tourane (Da Nang) by the combined Franco-Spanish naval forces occurred in September 1858.

Return to Game

The Siege of Tourane was characterized by strong Vietnamese Christian support for the Franco-Spanish forces.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to expectations, the Franco-Spanish forces received minimal support from the Vietnamese Christian community during the Siege of Tourane; Vietnamese resistance proved unexpectedly strong.

Return to Game

Admiral Rigault de Genouilly shifted focus to Saigon because it was the Vietnamese imperial capital.

Answer: False

Explanation: Admiral Rigault de Genouilly redirected efforts toward Saigon not because it was the imperial capital, but due to its strategic significance as a major source of provisions for the Vietnamese army.

Return to Game

During the attack on Saigon in February 1859, French forces successfully held the Citadel after capturing it.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following the capture of the Saigon Citadel in February 1859, French forces were compelled to demolish it and withdraw due to insufficient manpower, rather than establishing a lasting hold.

Return to Game

France's involvement in the Austro-Sardinian War did not affect its troop deployment in Cochinchina.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Austro-Sardinian War in 1859 significantly impacted French troop deployment capabilities in Cochinchina, as substantial French forces were engaged in European conflicts.

Return to Game

Admiral François Page's primary objective was to secure territorial gains in Vietnam.

Answer: False

Explanation: Upon assuming command, Admiral François Page was instructed to prioritize securing a treaty that guaranteed the protection of the Catholic faith, rather than focusing on territorial expansion.

Return to Game

The Vietnamese government readily accepted Admiral Page's initial peace terms.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Vietnamese government, perceiving France's weakened position due to European conflicts, rejected Admiral Page's moderate peace terms and prolonged negotiations.

Return to Game

Admiral Page's capture of the Kien Chan forts at Tourane significantly altered the Vietnamese negotiators' stance.

Answer: False

Explanation: Despite Admiral Page's tactical victory in capturing the Kien Chan forts at Tourane, this action did not substantially alter the Vietnamese negotiators' position.

Return to Game

In March 1860, the French decided to reinforce their position at Tourane and evacuate Saigon.

Answer: False

Explanation: In March 1860, the French made the strategic decision to evacuate their garrison from Tourane, recognizing the difficulty of maintaining positions in both Tourane and Saigon simultaneously.

Return to Game

Significant French reinforcements arrived in Cochinchina in early 1861, transferred from northern China.

Answer: True

Explanation: In early 1861, a substantial French naval contingent, along with ground troops, was transferred from northern China to bolster French forces in Cochinchina.

Return to Game

The Battle of Ky Hoa resulted in a decisive Vietnamese victory over the French and Spanish forces.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Battle of Ky Hoa in February 1861 concluded with a French and Spanish victory, although Vietnamese resistance inflicted considerable casualties on the allied forces.

Return to Game

The city of Mỹ Tho was captured by French forces after a prolonged siege and heavy fighting.

Answer: False

Explanation: The French flotilla occupied the city of Mỹ Tho in April 1861 via the Mekong River without significant resistance or a prolonged siege.

Return to Game

As French military pressure increased, Vietnamese forces increasingly relied on guerrilla warfare tactics.

Answer: True

Explanation: Facing conventional military setbacks, Vietnamese forces strategically transitioned to guerrilla warfare tactics to sustain resistance in the occupied provinces.

Return to Game

Admiral Charner declared a state of siege in Saigon and Mỹ Tho provinces in response to conventional Vietnamese military advances.

Answer: False

Explanation: Admiral Charner declared a state of siege in Saigon and Mỹ Tho provinces primarily as a response to the proliferation of guerrilla warfare tactics employed by Vietnamese resistance fighters.

Return to Game

The United States Navy actively participated in combat operations alongside the French during the Cochinchina campaign.

Answer: False

Explanation: The United States Navy's involvement was limited to specific humanitarian or search missions, such as the USS Saginaw's actions, and did not constitute active participation in combat operations alongside French forces.

Return to Game

The capture of Biên Hòa by Admiral Bonard was a reprisal for the loss of a French merchant ship.

Answer: False

Explanation: Admiral Bonard's campaign against Biên Hòa was a reprisal for the loss of the French lorcha *Espérance* and its crew in an ambush, not a merchant ship.

Return to Game

The explosion of a French gunboat near Mỹ Tho in March 1862 was attributed to accidental mechanical failure.

Answer: False

Explanation: The explosion of the French gunboat near Mỹ Tho led French authorities to suspect sabotage by Vietnamese insurgents, given the significant casualties and the context of ongoing resistance.

Return to Game

The fall of Vĩnh Long significantly improved the strategic position of the Vietnamese Court.

Answer: False

Explanation: The fall of Vĩnh Long, following the loss of other key cities, critically weakened the strategic position of the Vietnamese Court, compelling them to seek peace.

Return to Game

The USS Saginaw's action at Qui Nh1n was a significant part of the main Franco-Spanish military strategy.

Answer: False

Explanation: The USS Saginaw's intervention at Qui Nhơn, undertaken to search for missing American citizens, was an isolated event and not integral to the primary Franco-Spanish military strategy.

Return to Game

Emperor Tự Đức sought peace primarily due to the loss of the capital city Huế.

Answer: False

Explanation: Emperor Tự Đức pursued peace negotiations primarily due to the cumulative loss of key southern cities such as Mỹ Tho, Biên Hòa, and Vĩnh Long, which severely compromised the empire's strategic position, rather than the loss of the capital itself.

Return to Game

The French lorcha *Espérance* was lost in an ambush, leading to military action in Đồng Nai Province.

Answer: True

Explanation: The loss of the French lorcha *Espérance* and its crew in an ambush precipitated a French military campaign into Đồng Nai Province, resulting in the capture of Biên Hòa.

Return to Game

During the campaign, Vietnamese forces consistently outnumbered the combined French and Spanish troops.

Answer: True

Explanation: Throughout the Cochinchina campaign, the Vietnamese army, estimated at over 10,000 soldiers, consistently maintained a numerical superiority over the combined French and Spanish forces, which numbered approximately 3,000.

Return to Game

The Franco-Spanish side suffered minimal casualties throughout the Cochinchina campaign.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Franco-Spanish forces sustained considerable casualties, with approximately 1,000 soldiers killed or wounded during the campaign, indicating that losses were not minimal.

Return to Game

Saigon's strategic importance for the Vietnamese army was primarily its role as a political center.

Answer: False

Explanation: Saigon's strategic importance for the Vietnamese army was primarily derived from its function as a critical source of food supplies, rather than its status as a political center.

Return to Game

Nguyễn Tri Phương successfully repelled the French and Spanish forces at the Battle of Ky Hoa.

Answer: False

Explanation: Marshal Nguyễn Tri Phương led the Vietnamese defense at the Battle of Ky Hoa, but the French and Spanish forces ultimately achieved victory, albeit with significant allied casualties.

Return to Game

Admiral Charles Rigault de Genouilly commanded the forces that captured Saigon in February 1859.

Answer: True

Explanation: Admiral Charles Rigault de Genouilly was the commander of the French expeditionary force responsible for the capture of Saigon in February 1859.

Return to Game

The French corvette *Forbin* played a role in facilitating peace negotiations by towing the Vietnamese delegation's ship.

Answer: True

Explanation: The French corvette *Forbin* assisted in the peace process by towing the Vietnamese delegation's vessel, the *Aigle des Mers*, to Saigon for the treaty negotiations.

Return to Game

What type of advanced fortification had Vietnamese planners successfully replicated?

Answer: Vaubanesque citadel

Explanation: Vietnamese planners successfully replicated the sophisticated design of the Vaubanesque citadel, originally constructed by French engineers.

Return to Game

Where did the Franco-Spanish forces first land during the Cochinchina campaign?

Answer: Tourane (Da Nang)

Explanation: The initial landing point for the combined Franco-Spanish naval expedition was Tourane (now Da Nang) in September 1858.

Return to Game

Why was Saigon considered strategically important by Admiral Rigault de Genouilly?

Answer: It was the primary source of food for the Vietnamese army.

Explanation: Admiral Rigault de Genouilly identified Saigon as strategically crucial due to its role as a principal source of food supply for the Vietnamese military.

Return to Game

What action did French forces take after capturing the Citadel of Saigon in February 1859?

Answer: Demolished the citadel and withdrew due to insufficient manpower

Explanation: Due to insufficient troop numbers, French forces demolished the Saigon Citadel and withdrew after its capture in February 1859, rather than establishing a permanent presence at that time.

Return to Game

Which European conflict limited France's ability to commit more troops to the Cochinchina campaign in 1859?

Answer: The Austro-Sardinian War

Explanation: The Austro-Sardinian War, occurring in 1859, diverted significant French military resources and personnel, thereby limiting France's capacity to reinforce its operations in Cochinchina.

Return to Game

How did the Vietnamese government react to Admiral Page's moderate peace terms?

Answer: They refused the terms and prolonged negotiations, hoping France would leave.

Explanation: The Vietnamese government perceived France's constraints due to European conflicts and consequently rejected Admiral Page's peace terms, opting to prolong negotiations in hopes of a French withdrawal.

Return to Game

What strategic decision did the French make regarding Tourane in March 1860?

Answer: They decided to evacuate the garrison from Tourane.

Explanation: In March 1860, the French command concluded that maintaining a presence in Tourane was untenable alongside other objectives, leading to the decision to evacuate the garrison from the city.

Return to Game

Which Vietnamese commander led the defense against the Franco-Spanish forces at the Battle of Ky Hoa?

Answer: Nguyễn Tri Phương

Explanation: Marshal Nguyễn Tri Phương commanded the Vietnamese forces defending against the Franco-Spanish assault during the Battle of Ky Hoa.

Return to Game

How was the city of Mỹ Tho captured by French forces in April 1861?

Answer: By navigating the Mekong River and occupying it without resistance

Explanation: French forces under Admiral Page occupied Mỹ Tho in April 1861 by navigating the Mekong River and entering the city without encountering significant opposition.

Return to Game

What change in tactics did Vietnamese forces adopt as they struggled against the French?

Answer: Guerrilla warfare

Explanation: As conventional military confrontations became increasingly challenging, Vietnamese forces adapted by employing guerrilla warfare tactics to sustain resistance.

Return to Game

What was the stated mission of the USS Saginaw during its presence in Vietnamese waters?

Answer: To search for missing American citizens

Explanation: The USS Saginaw was dispatched to Vietnamese waters with the specific objective of locating missing American citizens and sailors.

Return to Game

The French capture of Biên Hòa was a direct response to:

Answer: The loss of the French lorcha *Espérance*

Explanation: The French military action leading to the capture of Biên Hòa was initiated as a reprisal for the ambush and loss of the French lorcha *Espérance* and its crew.

Return to Game

What led the French to suspect Vietnamese sabotage after the gunboat explosion near Mỹ Tho?

Answer: The heavy casualties and direction of insurgents

Explanation: The significant casualties resulting from the gunboat explosion near Mỹ Tho, coupled with the perceived direction of insurgents, led French authorities to suspect deliberate sabotage.

Return to Game

The fall of which city significantly pressured the Vietnamese court to seek peace?

Answer: Vĩnh Long

Explanation: The strategic importance of Vĩnh Long, coupled with the earlier losses of Mỹ Tho and Biên Hòa, critically weakened the Vietnamese court's position and prompted a move towards peace negotiations.

Return to Game

Which French admiral replaced Admiral Rigault de Genouilly and focused on treaty negotiations?

Answer: Admiral François Page

Explanation: Admiral François Page succeeded Admiral Rigault de Genouilly and was tasked with prioritizing treaty negotiations, particularly concerning the protection of Catholic missionaries.

Return to Game

What was the approximate number of French and Spanish soldiers involved in the campaign compared to Vietnamese soldiers?

Answer: 3,000 Franco-Spanish vs. 10,000 Vietnamese

Explanation: The Franco-Spanish expeditionary force comprised approximately 3,000 soldiers, whereas the Vietnamese army engaged in the conflict numbered over 10,000.

Return to Game

What was the approximate number of killed or wounded on the Franco-Spanish side during the campaign?

Answer: Approximately 1,000

Explanation: The Franco-Spanish forces sustained approximately 1,000 casualties, encompassing both killed and wounded, throughout the duration of the Cochinchina campaign.

Return to Game

The Treaty of Saigon and its Terms

The Vietnamese emperor Tự Đức accepted all the harsh peace terms proposed by the French in March 1861.

Answer: False

Explanation: Emperor Tự Đức was willing to concede on religious freedom but rejected other demands presented by the French in March 1861, prolonging the conflict.

Return to Game

The Treaty of Saigon, signed on June 5, 1862, formally ended the Cochinchina campaign.

Answer: True

Explanation: The signing of the Treaty of Saigon on June 5, 1862, marked the formal conclusion of the Cochinchina campaign.

Return to Game

The Treaty of Saigon granted France freedom of commerce and movement only along the Red River.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Treaty of Saigon granted France freedom of commerce and movement along the Mekong River and opened several ports, not exclusively the Red River.

Return to Game

Vietnam agreed to pay a substantial indemnity to France and Spain over ten years as part of the treaty.

Answer: True

Explanation: Under the terms of the Treaty of Saigon, Vietnam committed to paying a significant indemnity to France and Spain, distributed over a ten-year period.

Return to Game

Phan Thanh Giản was the French admiral who signed the Treaty of Saigon.

Answer: False

Explanation: Phan Thanh Giản was the Vietnamese minister who signed the Treaty of Saigon on behalf of Vietnam; he was not a French admiral.

Return to Game

Who were the primary signatories representing Vietnam and Spain at the Treaty of Saigon?

Answer: Phan Thanh Giản and Colonel Carlos Palanca Gutiérrez

Explanation: The Treaty of Saigon was signed by Phan Thanh Giản representing Vietnam and Colonel Carlos Palanca Gutiérrez representing Spain, alongside Admiral Louis Adolphe Bonard for France.

Return to Game

Which Vietnamese provinces were ceded to France under the Treaty of Saigon?

Answer: Biên Hòa, Gia Định, and Định Tường

Explanation: Under the Treaty of Saigon, France acquired the provinces of Biên Hòa, Gia Định, and Định Tường, along with the Poulo Condore islands.

Return to Game

What was the total financial indemnity Vietnam agreed to pay France and Spain?

Answer: 1 million dollars

Explanation: Vietnam agreed to pay a total financial indemnity of one million dollars to France and Spain, to be disbursed over a ten-year period.

Return to Game

Which Vietnamese minister signed the Treaty of Saigon on behalf of Vietnam?

Answer: Phan Thanh Giản

Explanation: Phan Thanh Giản, a minister serving Emperor Tự Đức, represented Vietnam in the signing of the Treaty of Saigon.

Return to Game

Consequences and Historical Context

The successful conclusion of the Cochinchina campaign led to the establishment of French colonial rule in Vietnam.

Answer: True

Explanation: The successful conclusion of the Cochinchina campaign directly precipitated the establishment of French colonial rule in Vietnam, initiating a protracted period of foreign governance.

Return to Game

The Cochinchina campaign is viewed as an isolated event unrelated to broader European imperial trends in Asia.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Cochinchina campaign is intrinsically linked to the broader trend of 19th-century Western imperialism, specifically European colonial expansion across Asia.

Return to Game

The territories acquired by France were administered by the French Ministry of War.

Answer: False

Explanation: The territories acquired by France in Cochinchina were placed under the administration of the French Ministry of the Marine, not the Ministry of War.

Return to Game

In 1867, France acquired additional Vietnamese provinces, effectively doubling the size of the French colony.

Answer: True

Explanation: France expanded its colonial holdings in 1867 by acquiring three additional Vietnamese provinces, thereby approximately doubling the territorial extent of the French colony.

Return to Game

Spain gained significant territorial concessions in Vietnam following the Cochinchina campaign.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Spain was a participant in the campaign, it received a share of the indemnity payment but did not secure any significant territorial concessions in Vietnam.

Return to Game

The Cochinchina campaign marked the end of French colonial ambitions in Indochina.

Answer: False

Explanation: Far from marking an end, the Cochinchina campaign represented the beginning of French colonial rule in Vietnam and served as a crucial stepping stone for further French expansion throughout Indochina.

Return to Game

What was the timeframe of the Cochinchina campaign?

Answer: 1858-1862

Explanation: The Cochinchina campaign spanned from September 1, 1858, to June 5, 1862.

Return to Game

Which two European powers collaborated in the Cochinchina campaign?

Answer: France and Spain

Explanation: The Cochinchina campaign was a joint military operation undertaken by the French Empire and the Kingdom of Spain.

Return to Game

What was the long-term political consequence of the Cochinchina campaign?

Answer: The establishment of the French colony of Cochinchina

Explanation: The primary long-term political consequence of the Cochinchina campaign was the establishment of the French colony of Cochinchina, marking the beginning of French colonial rule in Vietnam.

Return to Game

How were the territories acquired by France in Cochinchina administered?

Answer: Under the direct administration of the French Ministry of the Marine

Explanation: The territories acquired by France in Cochinchina were established as a formal colony and administered directly by the French Ministry of the Marine, with Saigon serving as its capital.

Return to Game

What territorial expansion occurred in 1867, effectively doubling the size of the French colony?

Answer: Cession of Châu Đốc, Hà Tiên, and Vĩnh Long

Explanation: In 1867, France expanded its colonial territory by acquiring the provinces of Châu Đốc, Hà Tiên, and Vĩnh Long from Vietnam, effectively doubling the size of the French colony.

Return to Game

What was Spain's role in the aftermath of the Cochinchina campaign?

Answer: Received a share of the indemnity but made no territorial gains

Explanation: Spain participated in the campaign and received a portion of the indemnity payment stipulated in the Treaty of Saigon, but it did not acquire any territorial concessions in Vietnam.

Return to Game

The Cochinchina campaign is considered part of which larger historical trend?

Answer: Western imperialism in Asia

Explanation: The Cochinchina campaign is widely recognized as a significant event within the broader historical context of Western imperialism and colonial expansion in Asia during the 19th century.

Return to Game