The Devoted and Loyal Revolutionary Hero Phan Dinh Phung
The great revolutionary hero Phan Dinh Phung was born in 1847 to a scholarly
family in Ha Tinh Province. In the 1877 civil service examinations he earned his
doctorate degree (tien si). He was well known for his great intelligence, loyalty to
Vietnam and his incorruptible moral character. Because of this, he was given a
position in the Imperial Censorate (Do Sat Vien), which regulated the ethics of the
Emperor and the Imperial court. He never wavered in his duty to the nation, his
moral principles or his loyalty to the imperial system.
The first trouble began for Phan Dinh Phung following the death of Emperor Tu Duc
in 1883. The old monarch had named his virtuous nephew Kien Phuc to succeed
him on the throne. However, the corrupt regents instead enthroned Duc Duc as the
new emperor. Phan Dinh Phung protested against this violation of the imperial succession and refused to sanction anyone other than the rightful successor chosen by Emperor Tu Duc. For his moral refusal he was imprisoned by the regents for a short time. Later, when Emperor Duc Duc was also deposed by the regents, and eventually murdered, Phan Dinh Phung protested against such harsh treatment and was banished by the regent Ton That Thuyet.
However, Phan Dinh Phung still served one last great duty towards his country, his people and the Nguyen Dynasty. In July of 1885 the heroic Emperor Ham Nghi left the Forbidden City and issued his "Save the King" decree, which, began the ?Can Vuong? Movement to free Vietnam from French colonial rule. In his home province of Ha Tinh the noble Phan Dinh Phung responded to his Emperor?s call and organized a massive uprising against the French in his area. Phan Dinh Phung would be one of the greatest patriots and prove a most valuable and loyal follower of Emperor Ham Nghi in the struggle for freedom.
Under the ingenious leadership of Phan Dinh Phung the rebellion spread quickly throughout neighboring provinces. The people were impressed by his military skill and courage as well as his honesty and integrity and his dedicated loyalty to the Emperor. The French were unable to defeat Phan Dinh Phung in his righteous cause even though his former friends who collaborated with the French urged him to surrender. He refused to listen to them and devoted himself only to his people, his king and his country. The cruel colonial troops even desecrated the resting place of the ancestors of Phan Dinh Phung.
For ten years the heroic opposition movement under Emperor Ham Nghi continued with the support of Phan Dinh Phung. They were a major problem to colonial control despite lacking supplies, weapons, ammunition and support of every kind. However, the French were able to bribe local officials into betraying Emperor Ham Nghi and in December of 1895 Phan Dinh Phung, the heroic patriot, died of dysentery. The rebellion collapsed without its core leadership and Emperor Ham Nghi was taken prisoner and exiled to French Algeria.
Despite the treason and betrayal of the heroic Emperor Ham Nghi, his example and the great inspiration of his courageous and loyal soldier Phan Dinh Phung left a lasting legacy for all patriotic Vietnamese. When the revolutionary leader Phan Boi Chau began organizing his own resistance movement he took his example from the Save the King Movement and began by recruiting the survivors of that campaign. The honored revolutionary Phan Chu Trinh was also a leading participant in Emperor Ham Nghi?s revolt. The memory of the devoted and loyal Phan Dinh Phung provided a shining example to light the path of those who came later to struggle for Vietnamese independence. It was those like Emperor Ham Nghi and Phan Dinh Phung who lead the way to freedom for Viet Nam.
The Heroic Emperor Ham Nghi
The Inspiration of Patriots
One of the greatest patriots of Vietnam, and the spiritual father of all later resistance
movements was the courageous Emperor Ham Nghi, the younger brother of the upright
Emperor Kien Phuc. Although he was an imperial prince, his mother was an ordinary citizen,
and Emperor Ham Nghi grew up without any luxury or lavishness in very humble
surroundings before he was enthroned at age fourteen as Emperor of Vietnam in 1884.
Some were worried that the Emperor had not had a traditional education in the classic style
of China, but Emperor Ham Nghi proved that even as a young man he was aware of the
nature of politics and national leadership.
It was not long before the Emperor realized that the people who ruled Vietnam were not the
Vietnamese, but the colonial authorities. He became determined to free his people from their
foreign rulers and restore Vietnam to its greatness as a free and indepndent imperial monarchy. Guns were moved into the Forbidden City and aimed at the French military headquarters. Tensions grew and the French increased the number of armed patrols while Emperor Ham Nghi spoke out with greater force on the need for true Vietnamese liberty and the removal of foreign troops in Vietnam.
Finally, on July 4, 1885 Emperor Ham Nghi, two of the Nguyen Queens and the leading officials left the Forbidden City and moved to the jungles and mountains to carry out a war of liberation against the colonial authorities. Emperor Ham Nghi issued the famous Can Vuong, or Save the King edict. Although he was not at fault, Emperor Ham Nghi took responsibility as emperor and accepted the blame for the condition of Vietnam and called on his people to rally around the Emperor and drive the foreign troops from Vietnamese soil. Large numbers of faithful and patriotic people, from farmers to scholars rushed to defend Emperor Ham Nghi and fight for the liberation of Vietnam.
Some who had first plotted with the Emperor left, but the heroic Ham Nghi continued his struggle despite being at a disadvantage against the powerful French army. His troops lacked supplies, modern weapons, ammunition and supplies of every kind, but still they fought on to achieve victory for the land and the Emperor. However, in 1888 the French bribed some local officials to betray Ham Nghi and captured him after killing his noble guard. Despite everything he had been through, the Emperor refused to betray his friends and would not cooperate with the French investigation. He knew the struggle for freedom would continue. Taken into custody by the colonial authorities, at the age of only eighteen, the brave Emperor Ham Nghi was exiled from his beloved country and forced to live in north Africa.
Without the moral leadership and unifying force of the Emperor the Can Vuong Movement eventually collapsed. However, the name and heroic legacy of the Emperor Ham Nghi would live on for many years to come. The Emperor's ideal of a free Vietnam, and his great courage toward that goal inspired all of the other great patriotic movements which followed in the years to come, all of them working together to eventually give Vietnam freedom from France in a democratic constitutional monarchy. The dream of Emperor Ham Nghi had come true. It is now up to us to restore the freedom of Vietnam, with all of its ancient traditions and ideals to fulfill the solemn duty of carrying the heroic Emperor's dream into the future.
The Revolutionary Prince Cuong-De
Born in 1882 as Prince Nguyen-Phuc Hong Dan, the young royal descendant of
H.I.H. Crown Prince Canh was later given the official title "Ky-Ngoa-Hau" or
"outside the capital marquis". He was a descendant of the fourth generation of His
Majesty Emperor Gia Long, founder of the Nguyen Dynasty, by the line of his
eldest son, Crown Prince Canh. The Crown Prince was the grandfather of Marquis
He was living comfortably by the An-cuu River when he was visited by the
revolutionary leader Phan Boi Chau and his friend
Nguyen Thiep in the Year of the Hare (1903). It was then that the Prince and Phan
Boi Chau made a pact to join together in fighting against French Colonial rule in
Viet Nam. As a member of the Nguyen Imperial Dynasty and a descendant of
Emperor Gia Long, Marquis Cuong De was to be a focus for patriotic loyalty and a
symbol of the national history and culture. As such, he was made symbolic head of the Viet-Nam Modernization Society of Phan Boi Chau when that movement was initially founded.
Early on in 1906 Marquis Cuong De went to Japan to study at Shimbu Gakko and later at Waseda University. In 1909 he was forced to leave Japan when the Japanese and French governments became more closely associated and the Japanese wished to disassociate themselves from any connection to the enemies of France. Prince Cuong De then moved to Hong Kong, Thailand, and China before returning to Nam-Ky (Cochinchina/South Vietnam) from Singapore in 1913 to meet with resistance leaders and raise funds for the struggle. While he had been in China, His Majesty Emperor Thanh Thai had tried to reach him to join the resistance movement but was arrested by the French and deposed.
After the trip back to Viet Nam Prince Cuong De was arrested in Hong Kong but managed to escape and travel to Europe. In 1915 he returned to Japan where he was given promises of support for Vietnamese independence. Even when the Chinese influence changed the direction of many of the nationalist efforts Prince Cuong De remained in the most honored position. In the south, which was cut off by the French from the rest of Viet Nam, Prince Cuong De was supported by large numbers of Vietnamese patriots. In 1943 the prophet and leader of the Hoa Hao religion, Huyn Phu So issued many statements calling for freedom from the French, support for Cuong De and loyalty to the Nguyen Dynasty he represented. The prophet wrote, "How can one live with joy and pleasure at a time when the King is seperated from his subjects. Catholics and the Cao Dai patriots also supported Prince Cuong De and the principle of an independent monarchy in Viet Nam.
Many thought that after the Japanese occupation of Indochina the Marquis Cuong De would oppose the new government of His Majesty Emperor Bao Dai. However, on May 20, 1945 Prince Cuong De stated in a letter that his goal had always been to restore the independence of Viet Nam and that he had never had any desire to take power for himself but honored the declaration of independence and was loyal to Emperor Bao Dai and the legitimate government. After independence had been declared his goal had been achieved. Later Emperor Bao Dai invited Prince Cuong De to accept an important place in the new nationalist government and a large welcome ceremony was planned in Saigon by the Cao Dai leader Tran Quang Vinh. However, the chaos of the war forced the Prince to remain at home. The Communist Revolution in August, 1945 ensured that the Marquis Cuong De would never see his country again and the independent monarchy came under attack by the Communist forces. The revolutionary prince died in Tokyo on April 5, 1951
The Loyal and Determined Revolutionary Phan Boi Chau
One of the greatest loyal revolutionary figures of 20th Century Vietnam was Sao
Nam Phan Boi Chau. He was born in 1867 in the Province of Nghe An to a proud
educated family. As a boy he displayed great intelligence very early.
In 1890 Phan Boi Chau earned a second class degree (Pho bang) in the
metropolitan examinations. With such an accomplishment, an intellectual such
as Phan Boi Chau could have easily become a great official, scholar or other high
position. However, he determined early on to use his talents and his devotion to
Vietnam and the Great Nguyen Dynasty to set his country and his people free of
In 1903 Phan Boi Chau formed the Restoration Society of revolutionary patriots
under the leadership of His Imperial Highness Prince Cuong De, a descendant of Crown Prince Nguyen Phuc Canh and Emperor Gia Long. In 1905 Phan Boi Chau and Prince Cuong De formed a base for revolutionary activity in Japan, safe from the colonial authorities in Vietnam. Phan Boi Chau wrote many great articles and tracts calling on the people to join him in the struggle to free Vietnam and restore its greatness as a free modern monarchy with liberty for the people under the Nguyen Dynasty.
After being removed from Japan, Phan Boi Chau went to China to continue his revolutionary activities. He formed a new organization, hoping to win support from all groups of Vietnamese patriots. Although he wished to modernize, he had already shown that his first idea was to restore freedom while keeping the ancient monarchy of the Nguyen Dynasty in place. When forming his patriotic groups, he took his inspiration from the "Can Vuong" Save the King movement led by Emperor Ham Nghi. He took as his core supporters the great patriots who had fought for Emperor Ham Nghi in the years of the Can Vuong movement. These many made numerous attempts to overthrow the colonial regime and Phan Boi Chau was even imprisoned in China. Despite all of this though, he stressed that harmony with France was needed, he desired freedom from the colonial regime but also offered friendship to his enemies.
In 1925 Phan Boi Chau was moving in the International Settlement in Shanghai when he was captured by French colonial authorities. He had been betrayed by his fellow revolutionary Ho Chi Minh who had sold his freedom to the French. Because of this treason Phan Boi Chau was taken to Hanoi and convicted of treason with a sentance of death, but his fellow Vietnamese who admired his courage and loyal patriotism refused to allow his death. He was therefore placed under house arrest in his cottage in the Imperial capital of Hue until his death in 1940. He is still honored by all for his heroic patriotism and loyalty to the people, the country and the Nguyen Dynasty.
The Brave and Revolutionary Emperor Duy Tan
The young boy who became emperor later became one of the nation's most humane rulers and patriotic heroes.
The young Prince Nguyen Vinh San was the son of Emperor Thanh
Thai and his queen Nguyen Thi Dinh. When his father was found to
be plotting against the colonial authorities to free Vietnam, he was
deposed and his young son Prince Nguyen Vinh San was chosen
to replace him. At the age of only eight he was enthroned as
Emperor Duy Tan of Vietnam, the "Friend of Reforms". Although
he would not be able to complete his reign on the Golden Throne
of Vietnam, Emperor Duy Tan would inspire countless future
patriots with his courage against the colonial regime and his great
compassion towards the people of Vietnam.
Immediately after his coronation everyone noticed how the young
boy quickly matured and proved to be intelligent beyond his years.
He soon became aware that the Imperial Court at Hue was not
allowed to rule Vietnam, but was instead being ignored or
dominated by the French colonial officials claiming to be their "protectors". Emperor Duy Tan was extremely concerned for his people and with the encouragement of the brave revolutionary Tran Cao Van, became determined to set his country free. Although he appreciated French culture, and desired friendship with France, he soon became aware of the evils associated with the colonial government. When French troops, searching for gold and treasure, violated the sacred tomb of Duy Tan's ancestor, the Emperor Tu Duc, he sent an angry protest to the French officials. This event showed him the true face of colonial aggression.
In the ensuing years Emperor Duy Tan did a great deal to help his struggling people, demonstrating the compassion which caused men like Phan Boi Chau to give him such adoration. As Emperor he called for France and Vietnam to revise the Patenotre agreements of 1884. He eliminated unneeded waste at court, cut back government spending and reduced his own salary to 6,000 piastres. When the French imposed harsh taxes on his people he gave up half of his small allowance to the poor so his struggling people could buy rice. He stood up to the French administration and announced that since he was Emperor, it was his duty and his right to guide and protect Vietnam and stated France should have nothing to do with Vietnamese affairs. Soon however, it became clear that words would not be enough.
Working with a small group of patriots, in 1916, the Emperor Duy Tan began planning a rebellion against the colonial government and a revolution to free Vietnam from French control. He was only sixteen-years-old when he left the Forbidden City by boat to call on the people to join him in revolt. Sadly, the group of revolutionaries was spotted by a French collaborator and before the Emperor's call could take action the authorities had arrested Emperor Duy Tan and his supporters. The other men agreed to confess so that their beloved king could live and were all executed by the French. Emperor Duy Tan was deposed and reduced in rank to Prince of Annam and on November 3, 1916 was exiled to La Reunion Island along with his mother and father, his wife Mai Thi Vang and sister Princess Luong Nhan.
Even in exile however Prince Vinh San continued to work for the freedom and liberation of his country. During World War II he joined the Free Forces to combat the Axis powers that threatened the world. He kept in contact with Vietnamese nationalists as well as the French government. In late 1945 he was on his way back to Vietnam to work for the independence of Vietnam as a constitutional monarchy when his plane crashed in a mysterious accident. Many people believe that the Communists purposely killed Emperor Duy Tan since the popularity of this beloved monarch and national hero would have been a great enemy to their plans for conquest. Prince Nguyen Vinh San was buried in the Central African Republic until 1987 when France and Vietnam allowed his remains to be brought home and laid to rest in imperial tomb of his ancestors in Hue City.
Tran Cao Van: The Loyal Martyr
Tran Cao Van provides one of the most inspirational and heroic examples for all
Vietnamese of a true and loyal hero who struggled all his life for the freedom of his
country and gave his life in loyalty to Viet Nam and the Nguyen Emperor. He desired
freedom for his country in the true sense, with Vietnamese culture and traditions free
of foreign influence as well.
Tran Cao Van was born in Tu Phu village, in what is now Da Hoang Commune, Dien
Ban district of the Province of Quang Nam in 1866. This was the same period that
France first began the effort to conquer and colonize Viet Nam and the rest of
Indo-China. Tran Cao Van was known to be a man of intelligence, integrity and absolute
devotion to his country. He was saddened by the subjugation of the people, the
manipulation of the Emperor and exploitation of the country.
In 1885 the old imperial capital of Hue City was taken by the French and Tran Cao Van
went to the mountains near Quang Nam where he joined the religious life at Co Lam Pagoda. He spent several years at the Pagoda to cultivate his spiritual life, a preparation for events in the future. In 1892 he left the monks and went to Binh Dinh to begin a career of teaching. He also began to plan and discuss the patriotic movement to drive out the French and restore the independence of Viet Nam. He wrote about the need for freedom and the sort of changes that would be needed in Viet Nam to preserve their independence and modernize the country, while also keeping in tact their ancient culture.
In 1908 Tran Cao Van was one of the leaders of the Anti-Tax revolt in Annam. France had forced the people to pay more and many were starving to death. It soon became clear that drastic measures would have to be taken to free the country. Tran Cao Van returned to Hue and began to advise the young monarch, Emperor Duy Tan. The Emperor also favored an immediate end to French rule and total independence for Viet Nam. It was 1916, France was in the middle of fighting World War I, and the time could not be better. Tran Cao Van developed a detailed plan for a massive concerted uprising across the country. It was endorsed by the Emperor and on May 4, Tran Cao Van, Emperor Duy Tan, and the other patriots, left Hue to begin the revolt.
Sadly, before the plan could be fully put into effect, the revolutionaries were betrayed and arrested by the French. The rebellion was stopped before it had a chance to succeed. Even the Emperor himself was arrested and charged with treason. Another man of lesser virtue might have tried to save his own life, but Tran Cao Van did not. He refused to betray Emperor Duy Tan and confessed to the French in order to save his life. Tran Cao Van was taken to the guillotine still wishing long life to the Emperor. Along with the other loyal patriots, he was executed by the French at Cong Chem, that is An Hoa, near Hue City, and buried in a common grave. Later, his body was removed and buried on Tu Hieu Holl, near the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc.
His life is an inspiration, a model of perfect courage, loyalty and patriotism. As he wrote before his execution, "Who is loyal? Who is righteous? Who enjoys life decorated with luxurious turban and belt, hammock and parasol? Leave me alone to die! The sky is still there! So is the earth and the dynasty! We wish long life to the Emperor!".
