Treaty of Huế (1863)

The Treaty of Huế of 1863 was a treaty signed between the Nguyễn Dynasty of Vietnam and France on August 25, 1863. It marked a significant step in the establishment of French control over Cochinchina, the southern portion of Vietnam. The treaty essentially formalized and expanded French influence in the region following earlier military interventions.

Key provisions of the treaty included:

• French Control: It recognized French control over the three eastern provinces of Cochinchina (Bien Hoa, Gia Dinh, and Dinh Tuong), which had been seized by the French between 1859 and 1862.
• Trade Privileges: France gained preferential trade rights within Vietnam.
• Protection of Catholicism: The treaty provided for the protection of Catholic missionaries and converts within Vietnam, a long-standing pretext for French intervention.
• Territorial Concessions: Further territorial concessions were made to France.

The Treaty of Huế (1863) was highly disadvantageous to Vietnam and laid the groundwork for the complete French colonization of the country, which would eventually occur with the establishment of French Indochina. It was deeply resented by the Vietnamese population and fueled resistance movements against French rule. The treaty is considered a major turning point in the history of Vietnam, marking the formal beginning of its colonial period.