French Expansion in Southeast Asia (1858-1907)

Initial Conflict and Punitive Expedition

• 1858: French expedition against the Vietnamese Empire in response to the persecution of Catholic missionaries.
• 1857: Establishment of the Indo-Chinese Union by the French, including Cochin China and the protectorates of Annam, Tonkin, Cambodia, and Laos.
• French missionaries active since the 17th century; significant Catholic convert population by mid-19th century.
• 1857: Execution of Spanish Catholic missionaries by Emperor Thu Duc, prompting French intervention.
• 1858: Napoleon III orders Admiral Charles Rigaud de Genoilly to lead a punitive expedition against Vietnam; attack on Da Nang.

Campaigns and Battles

• Initial easy victory anticipated; however, Vietnamese military resistance was strong.
• 1858: French and Spanish forces capture Da Nang but are besieged by Vietnamese forces.
• 1859: Saigon attacked and captured but difficult to hold.
• 1860: French evacuate Da Nang; Vietnam refuses peace treaty.
• 1861: Reinforcements allow resumption of the campaign; victories at Ky Hoa, My Tho, Bien Hoa, and Vinh Long.

Treaty of Saigon and Territorial Gains

• 1862: Treaty of Saigon; Vietnam cedes territory, legalizes Catholicism, and pays indemnity.
• Creation of the colony of Cochin China with Saigon as its capital.
• French protectorate over Cambodia established in 1863; Siam renounces sovereignty over Cambodia in 1867.

Expansion into Tonkin

• 1873: Francis Garnier's expedition to Tonkin, leading to his death and continued French efforts.
• 1882: Henri Rivière's campaign; leads to French intervention and eventual control.
• 1883: Treaty of Hue establishes French protectorate over Annam and Tonkin; Vietnam remains under French direction.

Conflict with China and Further Expansion

• 1884-1885: Sino-French War; France wins, consolidating control over Annam and Tonkin.
• 1885-1886: French influence extends into Laos, with Luang Prabang becoming a protectorate.

Conflict with Siam and Establishment of Laos

• 1893: War with Siam; French control established over eastern Mekong River territories.
• 1902 & 1906-1907: Siam cedes additional territories; French expansion effectively ends due to British-Siam cooperation.

Conclusion

• French territorial control in Southeast Asia solidified by 1907, forming a substantial colonial presence in the region.