Thousand Years of Vietnamese History

The book is intended for college students today, but it includes much more than just the facts. It features a rich history and compelling stories for readers of all ages. A detailed account of the Vietnamese peasant revolts is also included, as well as the fate of emigrant children. The history of Vietnam has been warlike for millennia, and this book will help those interested in the country's history learn more about its turbulent past.

While most books covering the past few centuries are thorough, the history of Vietnam is not comprehensive. Tribes have joined together and formed strong dynasties, including the legendary Hung kings. After the Hong Bang dynasty, Vietnam was conquered by the Han Dynasty in China. The Vietnamese remained a part of the Chinese empire for nearly 1000 years, before the Le dynasty rose to prominence. This kingdom conquered the Khmer Empire and expanded throughout the South.

The first history of Vietnam begins in the early tenth century. The Vietnamese were hemmed in by Chinese empires to the north and the Annamite Cordillera to the west. During this period, they began expanding to the south and west. The first emperor of Vietnam was Le Hoan, later known as Emperor Dai Hanh, who began the process of expansion southwards against the Champa.

After the Chinese invasion, the Chinese reclaimed the northern lands. In the 17th century, the Han Dynasty replaced the Roman alphabet and made Vietnam a province of China. The Nguyen and Trinh remained at peace for another 100 years. Then, in 210 B.C., a Chinese general named Chao Tuo conquered the northern regions. In 939, Ngo Quyen led a Vietnamese army against the Chinese and proclaimed a sovereign state. Click here for more details about Ngàn Năm Sử Việt

In the early twentieth century, the Chinese took control of the country and Vietnam imitated their behavior and culture. Buddhism became a major religion in Vietnam, although it wasn't the Theravada system, but its tenets of Mahayana Buddhism were accepted. Confucianism was widely adopted as the state's ideology. By the 17th century, the communists began imposing forced labor and collecting high taxes.

The Vietnamese people fought for their country for many centuries. They were always in fear of Chinese invasions. The successive Chinese dynasties invaded the country and tried to take back the land. Then, Vietnamese warriors fought to protect their country's sovereignty. Their sacrifices and heroic efforts have etched the nation's history. Aside from the wars and civil wars, the Vietnam nation also faced many economic and social challenges.

The early history of Vietnam was shaped by Chinese rule. In 111 B.C., it was part of the Han Empire. For over 1000 years, Vietnam remained a part of the greater Chinese empire. In the 17th century, Chinese writing replaced the Roman alphabet. Confucianism was the leading ideology. In the 18th century, the Chinese installed local rulers and enforced forced labor and high taxes. The Communists had a powerful military and a weak nationalist regime.