What was the Cochinchina campaign and when did it take place?

The Cochinchina campaign was a series of military operations conducted between September 1, 1858, and June 5, 1862. It was launched by a joint naval expedition force representing the French Empire and the Kingdom of Spain against the Nguyễn dynasty of Vietnam.

What was the primary objective of the initial French and Spanish expedition into Vietnam?

The initial objective of the Franco-Spanish expedition was to serve as a punitive expedition in response to the execution of two Spanish Catholic missionaries in Đại Nam (Vietnam).

How did the scope of the Cochinchina campaign evolve beyond its initial objective?

The French emperor Napoleon III expanded the campaign's objectives beyond a simple punitive action. He authorized the deployment of increasingly larger French contingents, aiming to subdue Vietnamese territory and establish French economic and military dominance.

What significant political outcome resulted from the Cochinchina campaign?

The campaign concluded with the founding of the French colony of Cochinchina, marking the beginning of nearly a century of French colonial rule in Vietnam and Indochina.

What broader historical context does the Cochinchina campaign fall under?

The Cochinchina campaign is considered part of the French conquest of Vietnam and the wider trend of Western imperialism in Asia during the mid-19th century.

What historical treaty did Emperor Gia Long feel France had failed to honor regarding assistance provided to him?

Emperor Gia Long felt that the French government had failed to honor the Treaty of Versailles (1787), which had promised French assistance during his struggle against the Tây Sơn dynasty.

What was Gia Long's perspective on the nature of the French aid he received?

Gia Long contended that the aid he received was primarily from volunteers, such as Pierre Pigneau de Behaine, and adventurers, rather than official government support, and therefore he did not feel bound by any obligations to France.

What advanced fortification technology had Vietnamese planners successfully replicated?

Vietnamese planners had successfully reproduced the elaborate 18th-century Vaubanesque citadel of Saigon, which was originally built by French engineers.

What was the approximate size of the Roman Catholic community in Vietnam by the mid-19th century, and who comprised its leadership?

By the mid-19th century, there was a community of approximately 600,000 Roman Catholic converts in Annam and Tonkin. The majority of the bishops and priests serving this community were French or Spanish.

What event in 1857 prompted Napoleon III to authorize a military expedition against Vietnam?

In 1857, the Vietnamese emperor Tự Đức approved the execution of two Spanish Catholic missionaries, which, coinciding with France's military expedition to China, led Napoleon III to authorize Admiral Charles Rigault de Genouilly to launch a punitive expedition.

What justification did Napoleon III use for intervening militarily in Vietnam?

Napoleon III emphasized the rationale of the Mission Civilisatrice, a concept suggesting a civilizing mission, as a justification for the military intervention in Vietnam.

Where did the Franco-Spanish naval expedition first land in Vietnam, and when?

The Franco-Spanish naval expedition landed at Tourane (now Da Nang) in September 1858 and subsequently captured the city.

What challenges did the Franco-Spanish forces face during the Siege of Tourane?

The Franco-Spanish forces faced challenges including the lack of support from the Vietnamese Christian community, stronger-than-expected Vietnamese military resistance led by Nguyễn Tri Phương, and high casualties among their own troops due to diseases during the nearly three-year siege.

Why did Admiral Rigault de Genouilly shift his focus from Tourane to Saigon?

Realizing that a strategic success at Tourane was unlikely in the short term, Rigault de Genouilly proposed an expedition against Saigon in January 1859 because the city was strategically significant as a major source of food for the Vietnamese army.

What happened during the French and Spanish attack on Saigon in February 1859?

On February 17, 1859, French marine infantry and Filipino troops under Spanish command captured Saigon after destroying river defenses and forts. They stormed the Citadel of Saigon, but due to insufficient manpower, they demolished it and burned the rice granaries before withdrawing.

What major European conflict impacted France's ability to commit more troops to the Cochinchina campaign?

The Austro-Sardinian War, which occurred in 1859, tied down significant numbers of French troops in Italy, limiting their capacity to reinforce their efforts in Cochinchina.

Who replaced Admiral Rigault de Genouilly, and what was his revised objective?

Admiral François Page replaced Rigault de Genouilly in November 1859. Page was instructed to focus on obtaining a treaty that prioritized the protection of the Catholic faith in Vietnam, rather than seeking territorial gains.

How did the Vietnamese government respond to the peace terms offered by Admiral Page?

The Vietnamese government, aware of France's involvement in the Austro-Sardinian War, refused Page's moderate terms and prolonged the negotiations, hoping the French would abandon the campaign.

What tactical victory did the French achieve at Tourane in November 1859, and what was its effect?

Admiral Page bombarded and captured the Kien Chan forts at Tourane on November 18, 1859. However, this tactical success did not alter the Vietnamese negotiators' stance.

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

Recognizing that they could only effectively hold either Saigon or Tourane, the French decided to evacuate the garrison from Tourane in March 1860, marking an unsuccessful end to the Tourane campaign.

What major reinforcements arrived in Cochinchina in early 1861 to bolster the French and Spanish forces?

In early 1861, a significant naval contingent of 70 ships under Admiral Léonard Charner, along with 3,500 soldiers commanded by General de Vassoigne, was transferred from northern China to Saigon.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Ky Hoa in February 1861?

The French and Spanish forces successfully assaulted the Vietnamese siege lines, defeating Marshal Nguyễn Tri Phương in the Battle of Ky Hoa on February 24-25, 1861. Despite the victory, the Vietnamese defense caused considerable casualties among the allied troops.

When and how was the city of Mỹ Tho captured by French forces?

The city of Mỹ Tho was captured by French forces in April 1861. A French flotilla under Admiral Page approached the city via the Mekong River and occupied it on April 12, 1861, without any shots being fired.

What were the revised, harsher peace terms offered by the French in March 1861?

The French offered terms including the legalization of Christianity, the cession of Saigon province, an indemnity of 4 million piastres, freedom of commerce and movement within Vietnam, and the establishment of French consulates.

How did the Vietnamese emperor Tự Đức respond to the French peace terms in March 1861?

Tự Đức was willing to concede on the free exercise of religion but rejected all other demands, leading to the continuation of the war.

What change in strategy did the Vietnamese forces adopt as they became less able to confront the French and Spanish in open combat?

The Vietnamese forces shifted to guerrilla warfare, with their agents organizing resistance in the conquered provinces.

What action did Admiral Charner take in May 1861 in response to the guerrilla warfare?

In response to the guerrilla tactics, Admiral Charner officially declared a state of siege in the Saigon and Mỹ Tho provinces on May 19, 1861.

What incident involved the United States Navy during the Cochinchina campaign?

On July 31, 1861, the USS Saginaw, a warship of the United States Navy, destroyed the Vietnamese fort protecting Qui Nhơn city after encountering cannon fire upon entering the harbor.

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

The USS Saginaw was dispatched to Cochinchina in search of missing American citizens and sailors from the merchant ship Myrtle.

What led to the French capture of Biên Hòa in December 1861?

Admiral Louis Adolphe Bonard, who replaced Charner, launched a campaign against Đồng Nai Province, including its capital Biên Hòa, in reprisal for the loss of the French lorcha *Espérance* and its crew in an ambush. Biên Hòa was captured on December 16, 1861.

What event on March 10, 1862, led to French suspicion of Vietnamese sabotage?

A French gunboat leaving Mỹ Tho, carrying a company of infantry, suddenly exploded on March 10, 1862. The heavy casualties led the French to suspect sabotage by insurgents directed by the governors of Vĩnh Long Province.

How was the city of Vĩnh Long captured by the Franco-Spanish forces?

On March 22, 1862, French and Spanish troops assaulted and captured Vietnamese batteries near Vĩnh Long. They entered the citadel the next day, and the remaining defenders were eventually overrun.

What was the significance of the fall of Vĩnh Long for the Vietnamese court?

The fall of Vĩnh Long, along with the earlier losses of Mỹ Tho and Biên Hòa, significantly worsened the strategic situation for the Vietnamese Court at Huế, prompting Emperor Tự Đức to seek peace.

When and where was the Treaty of Saigon signed, formally ending the Cochinchina campaign?

The Treaty of Saigon was signed on June 5, 1862, aboard the vessel *Duperré*, which was anchored before Saigon.

Who were the primary signatories of the Treaty of Saigon?

The treaty was signed by Phan Thanh Giản representing Vietnam, Admiral Louis Adolphe Bonard for France, and Colonel Carlos Palanca Gutiérrez for Spain.

What economic and trade concessions were granted to France under the Treaty of Saigon?

The treaty allowed the French freedom of trade and movement along the Mekong River and opened the ports of Tourane, Quảng Yên, and Ba Lac to trade.

What financial indemnity did Vietnam agree to pay France and Spain?

Vietnam agreed to pay an indemnity of one million dollars to France and Spain, to be paid over a period of ten years.

How were the territories acquired by France in Cochinchina administered?

The acquired territories were placed under the administration of the French Ministry of the Marine, establishing the colony of French Cochinchina with Saigon as its capital.

What territorial expansion occurred in Cochinchina in 1867?

In 1867, Admiral Pierre de la Grandière compelled the Vietnamese government to cede the provinces of Châu Đốc, Hà Tiên, and Vĩnh Long to France, effectively doubling the size of the French colony.

What role did Spain play in the aftermath of the Cochinchina campaign?

Spain received a share of the indemnity payment but made no territorial acquisitions in Vietnam. Their small military force in Saigon was withdrawn in 1863.

What was the impact of the Cochinchina campaign on French colonial policy in Indochina?

The campaign successfully established the French colony of Cochinchina and initiated nearly a century of French colonial rule across Indochina, setting a precedent for further expansion.

What was the significance of the USS Saginaw's action at Qui Nhơn?

The USS Saginaw's bombardment and destruction of the Qui Nhơn fort represented a rare instance of United States military involvement during the Cochinchina campaign, undertaken to search for missing American citizens.

What was the primary reason Emperor Tự Đức decided to pursue peace in April 1862?

The worsening strategic situation for the Vietnamese court, following the loss of key cities like Mỹ Tho, Biên Hòa, and Vĩnh Long, prompted Tự Đức to seek peace negotiations.

What was the name of the French lorcha whose loss prompted a reprisal campaign in Đồng Nai Province?

The French lorcha named *Espérance* was lost, leading Admiral Bonard to launch a campaign against Đồng Nai Province.

What was the approximate strength of the French and Spanish forces compared to the Vietnamese forces during the campaign?

The Franco-Spanish forces numbered around 3,000, while the Vietnamese army comprised over 10,000 soldiers.

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

Approximately 1,000 soldiers were killed or wounded on the Franco-Spanish side.

What was the strategic significance of Saigon for the Vietnamese army?

Saigon was strategically significant as it served as a crucial source of food for the Vietnamese army.

What was the name of the Vietnamese commander who led the defense against the French and Spanish at Tourane?

The Vietnamese army defending Tourane was under the command of Nguyễn Tri Phương.

Which French admiral commanded the expeditionary force that captured Saigon in February 1859?

Admiral Charles Rigault de Genouilly commanded the French expeditionary force that captured Saigon.

What was the name of the French corvette that towed the Vietnamese peace delegation's ship to Saigon?

The French corvette named *Forbin* towed the Vietnamese delegation's ship, the *Aigle des Mers*, to Saigon for peace negotiations.

Cochinchina Campaign Wiki: Imperial Gambit: The Cochinchina Campaign and the Dawn of French Indochina

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Campaign Overview

Duration and Scope

The Cochinchina campaign was a significant military undertaking initiated by a joint naval expedition force representing the French Empire and the Kingdom of Spain. Spanning from September 1, 1858, to June 5, 1862, this conflict marked the initial phase of the French conquest of Vietnam and was deeply intertwined with the broader context of Western imperialism in Asia during the mid-19th century.

Initial Objectives and Evolution

Initially conceived as a punitive expedition in response to the execution of two Spanish Catholic missionaries, the campaign's objectives were significantly expanded under Emperor Napoleon III of France. The deployment of increasingly substantial military contingents aimed not only to punish but also to establish French economic and military dominance, ultimately leading to the foundation of the French colony of Cochinchina.

Outcome and Significance

The campaign concluded with a decisive Franco-Spanish victory, formalized by the Treaty of Saigon in 1862. This treaty ceded territory and established French control, inaugurating nearly a century of French colonial rule in Vietnam and the wider region of Indochina. The conflict underscored the growing geopolitical ambitions of European powers in Asia.

Historical Context

The Age of Imperialism

The mid-19th century witnessed a surge in European colonial expansion. France, seeking to extend its influence across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, identified Vietnam as a key target. This ambition was fueled by geopolitical rivalries and the prevailing ideology of the "Mission Civilisatrice," which posited a civilizing mission for European powers.

Missionary Influence and Persecution

French missionaries had been active in Vietnam since the 17th century, cultivating a significant Catholic community. However, tensions arose due to the Vietnamese emperors' suspicion of foreign influence and persecution of Christians. While previous persecutions had elicited only limited French responses, the execution of two Spanish missionaries in 1857 provided a pretext for military intervention, coinciding with France's involvement in the Second Opium War.

Fortifications and Strategic Considerations

The Vietnamese had adopted advanced fortification techniques, notably replicating the 18th-century Vaubanesque citadel of Saigon, built by French engineers. This demonstrated a capacity for adopting Western military technologies, posing a more formidable challenge than initially anticipated by the French expeditionary force.

Key Engagements

Initial Landings and the Siege of Tourane

The Franco-Spanish force commenced operations at Tourane (Da Nang) in September 1858. Contrary to expectations, the local Vietnamese Christian population did not rally to the French cause, and Vietnamese military resistance, led by Nguyễn Tri Phương, proved unexpectedly strong. The French forces found themselves pinned down in a protracted siege, suffering significant casualties from disease rather than direct combat, while the campaign failed to achieve decisive breakthroughs.

The Assault on Saigon

Shifting focus due to the stalemate at Tourane, Admiral Charles Rigault de Genouilly led an expedition against Saigon in early 1859. After overcoming river defenses, French and Spanish troops captured the city on February 17, 1859. However, lacking sufficient manpower to hold the extensive citadel, the allies demolished it and destroyed rice granaries. The campaign's momentum was further hampered by French involvement in European conflicts, leading to troop diversions.

Shifting Tides and Renewed Offensives

Following the end of the Austro-Sardinian War, French forces, reinforced and under new command (Admiral Léonard Charner), resumed operations in early 1861. The Battle of Ky Hoa (February 24-25, 1861) resulted in a French victory, albeit with considerable casualties, allowing them to regain the initiative. This was followed by the capture of Mỹ Tho in April 1861, further pressuring the Vietnamese court.

Qui Nhơn Incident and Guerrilla Warfare

In July 1861, the USS *Saginaw* of the United States Navy bombarded a Vietnamese fort near Qui Nhơn after encountering cannon fire. Meanwhile, facing superior Franco-Spanish forces, the Vietnamese government increasingly relied on guerrilla tactics. French counter-insurgency operations often resulted in harsh treatment of civilians, exacerbating local resistance.

Final Campaigns and Peace Negotiations

The capture of Biên Hòa in December 1861 and Vĩnh Long in March 1862 marked further French successes. Facing mounting pressure and internal dissent, Emperor Tự Đức sought peace. The Treaty of Saigon was signed on June 5, 1862, formalizing French gains and establishing a new colonial order.

Resolution and Terms

The Treaty of Saigon (1862)

Negotiated aboard the French vessel *Duperré*, the Treaty of Saigon imposed stringent terms on Vietnam. Key provisions included the legalization of Catholicism, the cession of the provinces of Biên Hòa, Gia Định, and Định Tường, along with the Poulo Condore islands, to France. France also secured rights for trade and navigation along the Mekong River and opened several ports.

Indemnity and Colonial Administration

Vietnam was required to pay a substantial indemnity to France and Spain over ten years. The territories ceded were placed under the administration of the French Ministry of the Marine, formally establishing the colony of Cochinchina. This marked a significant territorial acquisition for France in Southeast Asia.

Spanish Role and Withdrawal

Spain, participating as a junior partner, received a share of the indemnity but made no territorial claims in Vietnam. Their military presence was limited and eventually withdrawn in 1863, leaving France as the dominant colonial power in the region.

Legacy and Consequences

Expansion of French Indochina

The successful campaign laid the groundwork for further French expansion. Within three years, France doubled its colonial holdings in Cochinchina, and by 1874, through the Treaty of Saigon and subsequent military actions, French control was extended over additional provinces, solidifying its colonial administration.

Internal Resistance and Unification

The treaty's terms and the subsequent French actions fueled internal resistance movements within Vietnam. Emperor Tự Đức's decision to make peace was partly influenced by the need to quell internal uprisings, such as the one led by Lê Bảo Phụng in Tonkin. The campaign ultimately contributed to the eventual unification of Vietnam under French colonial rule.

Geopolitical Realignment

The Cochinchina campaign was emblematic of the broader geopolitical shifts occurring in the 19th century, demonstrating the increasing reach and influence of European colonial powers in Asia. It set a precedent for future interventions and territorial acquisitions in the region.

Sources

Bibliography

Bernard, H., *Amiral Henri Rieunier, ministre de la marine – La vie extraordinaire d'un grand marin, 1833–1918* (Biarritz, 2005)
Brecher, M., *A Study of Crisis* (University of Michigan, 1997)
McAleavy, H., *Black Flags in Vietnam: The Story of a Chinese Intervention* (New York, 1968)
Taboulet, G., *La geste française en Indochine* (Paris, 1956)
Thomazi, A., *Histoire militaire de l'Indochine française* (Hanoi, 1931)
Thomazi, A., *La conquête de l'Indochine* (Paris, 1934)

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References

Brecher, 179

A full list of references for this article are available at the Cochinchina campaign Wikipedia page

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

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Imperial Gambit

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Campaign Overview 🗺️

🗓️ Duration and Scope

🎯 Initial Objectives and Evolution

🏁 Outcome and Significance

Historical Context 📜

🌍 The Age of Imperialism

⛪ Missionary Influence and Persecution

🏰 Fortifications and Strategic Considerations

Key Engagements ⚔️

⚓ Initial Landings and the Siege of Tourane

💥 The Assault on Saigon

🔄 Shifting Tides and Renewed Offensives

🔥 Qui Nhơn Incident and Guerrilla Warfare

📉 Final Campaigns and Peace Negotiations

Resolution and Terms 📜

✍️ The Treaty of Saigon (1862)

💰 Indemnity and Colonial Administration

🇪🇸 Spanish Role and Withdrawal

Legacy and Consequences 🏛️

📈 Expansion of French Indochina

✊ Internal Resistance and Unification

🌐 Geopolitical Realignment

Sources 📚

📖 Bibliography

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Campaign Overview

Duration and Scope

Initial Objectives and Evolution

Outcome and Significance

Historical Context

The Age of Imperialism

Missionary Influence and Persecution

Fortifications and Strategic Considerations

Key Engagements

Initial Landings and the Siege of Tourane

The Assault on Saigon

Shifting Tides and Renewed Offensives

Qui Nhơn Incident and Guerrilla Warfare

Final Campaigns and Peace Negotiations

Resolution and Terms

The Treaty of Saigon (1862)

Indemnity and Colonial Administration

Spanish Role and Withdrawal

Legacy and Consequences

Expansion of French Indochina

Internal Resistance and Unification

Geopolitical Realignment

Sources

Bibliography

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice