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.