French Conquest of Vietnam (1858-1885)
Emperor Minh Mạng’s anti-Christian policies led to missionary Pierre Dumoulin-Borie’s execution in 1838. Napoleon III cited this religious persecution when sending Admiral Rigault de Genouilly to capture Saigon in 1859. France gradually expanded control across Vietnam through military force. By 1885, French authorities established protectorates over Tonkin and Annam. The religious pretext enabled France to exploit Vietnamese resources while supporting Catholic missions.
