Fourth Chinese domination (History of Vietnam)

The fourth Chinese domination was a period of the history of Vietnam, from 1407 to 1427, upon which, the country was ruled by the Ming Dynasty administration.

Administration and government

Upon completing total control of Đại Ngu, the Chinese Ming Dynasty established a government inside the country. First, the Ming government had stated that it was "Hưng Trần and Diệt Hồ" regime (meaning to re-establish the Trần and to remove the Hồ) but soon Việtnam's people realized it was a cover-up and farce. Under the Ming Dynasty view at that time, Vietnam was considered to be a separate country from China, called Nanyue.

inicizing the country

Culturally, the Chinese imported many Chinese books and literature (such as the I Ching). Meanwhile, all classical Vietnamese books and materials relating to Vietnam were suppressed. Various ancient sites such as pagoda Bao Minh were looted and destroyed. The Ming Dynasty wanted to spread more of its Chinese culture in the area. Customarily, all Việt people were made to wear Chinese-style clothing.

Taxation and economy

The Chinese had greatly encouraged the development and the use of gold and silver mines. But right after the silver and gold were extracted they impounded them and sent a fraction of these minerals to Beijing. They also imposed salt taxes, but a slightly heavier tax against those who produced salt in the Nanyue area.

Military services, and control

To keep the people under control in Vietnam, the Ming government issued, and utilized the "So Ho" system, (literally meaning "Family Book") at the lowest village community level. Whenever there was a change in a family, a change in the book was recorded and approved. Based on this information, they created a systematic military service enrollment process for all young men deemed fit enough to serve in the future for the Chinese Imperial Army. However, this process was no different then what other governments did to subjugated areas. Nonetheless, this had created a negative feeling against the Chinese government. In addition, many countless talented Vietnamese individuals with varying trades and backgrounds who could make significant contributions were captured and instructed to become 'prisoners of war' in China where they served the government. Nguyễn An (Ruan An) for instance served as an imperial eunuch and is responsible for his designs of the Chinese Forbidden City complex located in Beijing. [The Forbidden City: The Centre of the World, Ep 1 of 2 [Documentary] Location: Germany, UK http://www.icetv.com.au/interactive/show/13987 ]

The revolt of the later Trần (1407-1413)

With this type of administration and control of Nanyue, the Việt people began to fight against the Chinese authorities. Several rebellions were started, only to be crushed by the Ming Dynasty army. Among the people who led the rebellion were, Trần Quy, a young son of the emperor Trần Nghệ Tông (1370-1372) and Trần Qui Khoach, a nephew. These revolts were short-lived and poorly planned but they helped lay the groundwork for Lê Lợi's war for independence.

References

* Viet Nam Su Luoc by Tran Trong Kim
* Viet Su Toan Thu of Pham Van Son

ee also

* Ming Dynasty military conquests