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150
Buddhism Introduced
Hanoi becomes the center for Vietnamese Buddhism in 2nd century BCE. Buddhism was brought over from India and is the major religion in Vietnam. In the past, for some Vietnamese, becoming Buddhist was the only way to get an education, or avoid taxation and military service. -
150
Hai Ba Trung Rebellion
From 40-43 CE was the Hai Ba Trung Rebellion. It was the first major revolt, led by two sisters who organized an army that overthrew the Chinese, who had been ruling since 111 BCE. After they defeated the Chinese, the Trung sisters were the rulers of Vietnam for three years until the Chinese returned to take back the land. Now there is an annual holiday deticated to the Trung sisters. They are honored througout Vietnam and inspire many Vietnamese to fight for freedom. -
Jan 1, 1400
Chinese Invade Vietnam
In 1400 the Chinese invaded and established a Chinese government in Hanoi. Because of China ruling Vietnam for so much of its history, a lot of Vietnamese culture, beliefs and tranditions were influenced by the Chinese. -
French Occupy Vietnam
In the 17th century the French brought Catholisism to Vietnam. In 1859 the French settled in Saigon along with the surrounding area in the Mekong Delta. In 1883 they added Hanoi to their territory. The French aimed to change Vietnam socially, politically, and economically. As a result of the French ruling Vietnam, many older Vietnamese speak French along with their native language. -
The First Indochina War
When Japan surrendered to Viet Minh, Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam's independence. The French, refusing to recognize Vietnam's independence, tried to regain control of Vietnam, which led to the First Indochina War: fought between the French and Viet Minh untill 1954. Viet Minh won the war and the French left Indochina. -
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War went from 1959 to April 30, 1975 and was fought between the communist in North Vietnam, and the government of South Vietnam. North Vietnam won the war and both the North and South were reunited under Communist control. -
Battle of Bach Dang River
Led by Ngo Quyen, Vietnamese soldiers defeated the invading Chinese forces at the Bach Dang River. This put an end to Chinese control over Vietnam, and as a result Vietnam became an independent country. Ngo Quyen declared himself king and established a government. After Ngo Quyen's death in 944, there was a civil war until 968. -
Vietnam Becomes Chinese Vassal State
After the civil war, Dinh Bo Linh became king of Vietnam. During his time as king, he made agreements with China that resulted in Vietnam becoming a Chinese vassal state. China agreed to withdraw forces from Vietnam as long as Vietnam agreed to take on China's legal system, foreign policy, and lunar calender.
