Ancient Viet Nam's Struggle to Remain Free

For nineteen centuries Viet Nam struggled to remain free from the power of China.  The goal in these early days was independence in a united and free Viet Nam.  The very first Vietnamese rebellion took place in 39 CE.  This rebellion was led by the legendary Trung sisters.  They helped to drive out the Chinese.  As a result, the nation lived free of foreign control for three years until Viet Nam was once again conquered by the Chinese.  The next period involved Chinese domination until the year 539.  At this time an intelligent Vietnamese scholar, Ly Bon, inspired the people to drive out their Chinese rulers once more.  However, Viet Nam was again re-invaded and subdued a few years later.

The Viet Nam people continued to resist the rule of China, even covertly.  This was especially true after China re-named the nation "An Nam."  On a postive note, the people of Viet Nam did receive some benefits from Chinese rule during this period.  The Chinese introduced agricultural, technical, and educational innovations to An Nam.  The people benefited from each of these innovations in a variety of ways.  Even so, the dictatorial imposition of China's culture, customs, language, and political institutions was not popular.  At times, the cruel oppression (and exploitation) of the people ultimately inspired the desire of the Vietnamese to fight again for their freedom no matter the cost.

The desire of the Vietnamese people was finally realized in 939.  The Tang dynasty of China was falling into decline.  Sensing their opportunity for independence once again, the Vietnamese rallied to fight the Chinese.  General Ngo Quyen succeeded in forcing the Chineses rulers out of Viet Nam.  The first of the "Great Dynasties" of Viet Nam was then established.  These dynasties managed to remain mostly independent of all foreign control for the next 944 years.  Resistence to foreign control over Viet Nam is a very old tradition in this southeast Asian country.  This kind of determination ought to be respected by anyone looking in at Viet Nam from the outside.

Harlan Urwiler

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