Question

Describe the role of different religious groups in the development of anti-colonial feelings in Vietnam.

Answer 1

Hint: Religion played a significant role in developing anti-colonial feelings in Vietnam. There are six religions that are followed in Vietnam: Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism.

Complete answer: The role of different religious groups in the development of anti-colonial feelings in Vietnam are:
1. The revolt of 1868 against the dictatorial spread of Christianity was known as the Scholars Revolt.This movement inspired others to follow.
2. In the 18th century many religions had turned antagonistic towards the western influence in Vietnam.
3.The Hoa Hao was a Buddhist religious movement which was one of the first religious movements against colonialism in Vietnam.This was started by Huynh Phu So in 1939. He was sent to a mental asylum and later exiled along with his followers.
4.Uprisings which took place in Ngu An and Hai Tien killed thousands of Christians.
Christianity which was being propagated by French colonists in Vietnam, looked down upon the religious beliefs of the people in which they worshipped supernaturals. However the political parties of Vietnam despised their activities.
5. The Buddhists played an important role in spreading anti-colonial sentiments. When the French were tampering and altering Buddhist practices, the Buddhists scholars unified themselves through uprisings against the invaders, by showing rock hard sentiments towards people,upholding patriotic traditions and contributing massively to resistance movements.

Note: Religion played a very contradictory role compared to nationalism. However it played a very important role in arousing anti-imperialist sentiments.