Conflict Theory in Vietnam Essay Example

by leveraging his diplomatic ties. In return for the withdrawal of Chinese troops and administrators from Vietnam, the country had to adopt China's legal system, foreign policy, and lunar calendar. Despite this agreement, Vietnam retained its status as an independent state until the 18th century.

The conflict theory caused a significant transformation within less than 25 years. If it weren't for the Battle of Bach Dang, Vietnam might still be under Chinese control and its people would continue to face exploitation. The French colonized Vietnam in two stages. The first stage occurred from 1859-1862 when Saigon and surrounding areas in Mekong were occupied. In 1883, the Hanoi and Tonkin regions were also taken over. During the early years of French colonization, their administrators had intentions to bring about social, political, and economic changes in Vietnam.

During French colonial rule in Vietnam, the Vietnamese people and their culture faced disrespect. The king's power and role in society were diminished as court officials, known as mandarins, had to report to colonial officials instead of the king. Moreover, high taxes on salt, opium, alcohol, and land were imposed due to the expensive colonial administrators. This led to forced labor being reintroduced under French rule, further oppressing the Vietnamese people and their culture. Consequently, half of the Vietnamese population became landless by 1940, resulting in impoverishment and oppression. These examples illustrate the devastating effects of French colonial rule in Vietnam.

Despite multiple uprisings, protests, and guerrilla groups trying to overthrow the French, none of these attempts were successful as the French military suppressed all such endeavors. In the early 20th Century, several other national groups emerged

with a goal to achieve independence for Vietnam and establish its own constitution. However, these appeals were ignored. It was only when Ho Chi Minh founded the Indo-Chinese Communist Party and the League for the Independence of Vietnamese (Vietminh) that the French started recognizing a concrete challenge to their dominance over Vietnam.

During World War II, France had to agree to Japan's occupation of Vietnam. However, with the support of the American military, the Vietminh managed to remove Japan from Vietnam. As a result, the Vietminh took control of South Vietnam while the French attempted to regain their power in the North. This resulted in a war between the two factions that lasted from 1946 to 1954. Ultimately, the Vietnamese emerged triumphant over the French in the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, leading to Vietnam being declared an independent nation, no longer under colonial rule.

The conflict theory, exemplified in Vietnamese history, demonstrates that significant societal transformation can occur. By employing aggression and harnessing people power, the conflict theory has played a crucial role in facilitating substantial change within society. Without this approach, Vietnam and other societies would have remained stagnant under colonial rule, perpetuating oppression and exploitation.