Vietnamese Nationalism Essay Sample

Vietnamese nationalism shaped the country. Vietnamese nationalism itself, which developed based on a successful history of warfare, is very complex and has gone through several stages. The country’s nationalism reflects its past issues with being conquered by other powers. Vietnam’s encounters with China and France have caused many sentiments of Vietnamese nationalism to be anti-China and/or anti France. Nationalism and its prevalence in Vietnam has greatly affected the country’s gender and social structure.

The anti-Chinese element evolved from when China used to have control over the state and caused great harm to the people and culture. This led to many disregarding any Chinese influences, even though they are extremely prevalent. The anti-France sentiment came from the countries colonization of Vietnam. While in power, France managed to cause even more damage than the Chinese in a fraction of the time. The French were even forced out by many nationalist movements. The ideas of nationalism in Vietnam have been kept alive by the prevalence of it in society. Textbooks in Vietnam refer to the influence of China but reject Chinese elements in Vietnamese nation. Instead stating that the ideas are from an area of northern Vietnam. Even today, Vietnamese generals are honored and seen as nationalistic heroes. 

Vietnamese nationalism greatly impacted the lives of women as well. While much of the male population was out fighting for the country to remain independent, women took up many of their prior roles. This is not uncommon during war time as it occurred in the U.S. as well. The role of women in the military and politics greatly increased. The Trung sisters, who led a nationalist military, paved the way for other women to be heavily involved in nationalist movements. By the end of the 1930s, women's liberation had become a common topic in the literature written by urban intellectual elites, and women had entered political life. Women’s movements in Vietnam often stood alongside nationalism. Nationalism became further intertwined with feminism is Vietnam when the Lao Dong party stressed the idea that women were oppressed under the French occupation and espoused the idea that liberation for women could only come through a nationalist revolution. They recognized that gender equality was an issue that cut across social lines and could be used to build nationalist support. 

Vietnamese society was changed by the ideals of nationalism. This is evident in how it is still greatly perpetuated due to the importance that is has gained. Nationalism is intertwined into many important aspects of Vietnam. From their social structure to the increase in women’s rights, Vietnamese nationalism shaped what the country is today.