Treaty of Saigon (1874)
The Treaty of Saigon, signed on March 15, 1874, between France and the Nguyễn Dynasty of Vietnam, represented a significant consolidation of French colonial power in Cochinchina (southern Vietnam). This treaty followed the earlier Treaty of Saigon (1862) and further formalized French control over the region, albeit with some stipulations.
Key provisions of the 1874 Treaty included:
- Acknowledgement of French Sovereignty: The Nguyễn Dynasty recognized French sovereignty over the provinces of Cochinchina already held by France (Saigon, Gia Dinh, Bien Hoa, My Tho, Vinh Long, and Ha Tien). This effectively solidified French control over the Mekong Delta.
- Opening of Ports: The treaty opened several Vietnamese ports, including the Red River, to French trade and navigation. This expanded French economic influence within Vietnam beyond Cochinchina.
- French Protection: In return, France pledged to assist Vietnam in suppressing piracy and rebellion and offered to act as a protectorate, albeit with ill-defined boundaries. This promise of protection was often used by France to justify further intervention in Vietnamese affairs.
- Aid and Concessions: France provided some financial aid to the Vietnamese government and also made certain concessions regarding Vietnamese customs duties. However, these concessions were often designed to benefit French commercial interests.
The Treaty of Saigon (1874) marked a critical stage in the French colonization of Vietnam. While it didn't establish a full protectorate over the entire country, it significantly expanded French control and economic influence, paving the way for the eventual French takeover of Tonkin (northern Vietnam) and Annam (central Vietnam) in the 1880s. The treaty further weakened the Nguyễn Dynasty, exacerbating internal divisions and undermining its ability to resist French expansion. It is viewed by many as an unequal treaty imposed upon a weakened nation, ultimately contributing to decades of colonial rule and subsequent struggles for independence in Vietnam.