The Colonial Economy in Vietnam


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

The Colonial Economy in Vietnam

The Colonial Economy in Vietnam: The French did very little to industrialise the economy of  Vietnam. All available raw materials of Vietnam like rice, rubber and coal were exported to France at a very low price. Rice cultivation and rubber plantation in Vietnam were mostly owned by the French elite.

Rail and port facilities were set-up to service this sector. Vietnamese indentured labour was largely used in rubber plantation from mid-l9th century.

The Dilemma of  Colonial Education: French colonisation was driven by the idea of a civilizing mission. The French believed that they were bringing modern civilisation to the Vietnamese. As the civilisation advanced in Europe, it was their duty to introduce the modern ideas for the colony even if this meant destroying local cultures, religions and traditions.

Education was important for employment in the colonial civil service and for other, high status white-collar jobs while introducing the modern education system in Vietnam, the French authorities were themselves in dilemma.

The colonial power needed an educated local labour force but education might create problems. Educated Vietnamese might raise questions about the French authority. Moreover, colons began believing that they might lose their jobs as teachers, shopkeepers, policemen, etc t the educated Vietnamese.

#Indentured labour :-  Contractual labourers of plantation without any specified rights . employers could punish and jail labourers for non fulfillment of contracts . 

#White Collar Jobs :- When workers are working in an office , rather than in factory . 

#Colons :- French citizens living in vietnam . 

 
 


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