Chính sách đối ngoại của Vua Bảo Đại trong giai đoạn 1926-1945

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Vua Bảo Đại, the last emperor of Vietnam, ascended the throne in 1926 at the tender age of 13, inheriting a nation under French colonial rule. His reign, spanning nearly two decades, witnessed a complex interplay of internal and external forces, shaping his foreign policy approach. This essay delves into the intricacies of Bảo Đại's foreign policy during the period from 1926 to 1945, analyzing its evolution and impact on Vietnam's destiny. #### The Early Years: A Policy of Accommodation The early years of Bảo Đại's reign were marked by a policy of accommodation with the French colonial administration. This approach stemmed from a combination of factors, including the young emperor's lack of experience, the overwhelming power of the French, and the absence of a strong nationalist movement capable of challenging colonial rule. Bảo Đại's primary objective was to maintain stability and preserve the monarchy, even if it meant collaborating with the French. This policy, however, proved to be deeply unpopular among the Vietnamese population, who increasingly viewed it as a betrayal of their national aspirations. #### The Rise of Nationalism and the Shift in Policy The 1930s witnessed a surge in Vietnamese nationalism, fueled by the economic hardship and social injustices inflicted by the French colonial regime. The emergence of nationalist movements, such as the Việt Minh led by Hồ Chí Minh, posed a significant challenge to Bảo Đại's authority and forced him to reconsider his foreign policy. While he continued to maintain a façade of cooperation with the French, Bảo Đại secretly began to explore alternative options, seeking to leverage the growing international pressure on France to gain greater autonomy for Vietnam. #### The Second World War and the Quest for Independence The outbreak of World War II in 1939 presented Bảo Đại with a unique opportunity to advance Vietnam's interests. With France occupied by the Nazis, the colonial administration weakened, and the emperor saw a chance to assert his independence. He began to cultivate ties with Japan, hoping to use their influence to secure Vietnam's freedom from French control. This strategy, however, proved to be a double-edged sword. While Japan initially granted Vietnam a degree of autonomy, their ultimate goal was to establish their own colonial empire in Southeast Asia. #### The End of the Reign and the Legacy of Bảo Đại's Foreign Policy The end of World War II marked the end of Bảo Đại's reign. The French, having regained control of their colonies, sought to reassert their authority over Vietnam. Bảo Đại, facing mounting pressure from both the French and the Việt Minh, was forced to abdicate in 1945. His foreign policy, characterized by a complex mix of accommodation, opportunism, and ultimately, failure, left a lasting impact on Vietnam's history. While his attempts to secure independence were ultimately unsuccessful, his reign marked a turning point in Vietnamese politics, paving the way for the rise of nationalist movements and the eventual struggle for national liberation. In conclusion, Bảo Đại's foreign policy during the period from 1926 to 1945 was a complex and multifaceted affair. His early years were marked by a policy of accommodation with the French, which proved to be unpopular and ultimately unsustainable. The rise of nationalism and the outbreak of World War II forced him to adapt his approach, leading to a period of strategic maneuvering and ultimately, a failed attempt to secure independence. While his reign ended in failure, Bảo Đại's foreign policy played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of Vietnam, paving the way for the eventual struggle for national liberation.