Vietnam during the French Colonial Era 1862-1945

  • France captures Saigon, extends control to Laos and Cambodia, forming French Indochina.

  • Vietnam became part of the French Empire

  • France divides up Vietnam into three regions: Tonkin, Annam, Cochin China.

  • Vietnam becomes part of French Indochina

    In 1887, the entire country formally became part of French Indochina. The French administration imposed significant political and cultural changes on Vietnamese society.
  • Ho Chi Minh was born

  • Ho Chi Minh helped form the Indo-Chinese Communist Party

  • Bao Dai, the last emperor, begins his reign as an infant.

  • Invasion of Indochina by Japan.

  • Ho Chi Minh starts the Viet Minh.

  • Japanese surrender. Ho Chi Minh declares independence and unification of French colonial provinces as Vietnam.

  • The Viet Minh seizes power. Ho Chi Minh announces Vietnam's independence.