SOME REMARKS ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE MILITARY SYSTEM IN DANANG IN THE WAR AGAINST FRENCH COLONIAL INVASION IN 1858

Abstract

          Under the Nguyen dynasty, derived from the position as the gateway to the world outside Vietnam and a Hue capital’s security guard, Danang was defended tightly and powerfully. Especially, under the dynasty of the Kings Thieu Tri and Tu Duc, Danang defense system was constantly supplemented, strengthened and perfected. Nguyen Kings not only made Danang an impregnable fortress to protect the major port but also wanted to build this place to become a symbol of the power of the Kingship Nguyen. However, the truth of the effectiveness of Danang military system did not meet the expectation of Hue court. Right from a series of the first assault of firecrakers from the warships of France – Spain alliance of invasion from the first days of september 1858, the military bases in Danang were nearly paralysed and quickly fallen. On the basic of the former research results on the arrangement, preparation, the mechanism of the organization and operation of the military system in Danang, the author would like to clarify the cause leading to the ineffectiveness of this military system.