Which of the following modern nations was not part of french indochina?

French Indochina was the collective name for the French colonial regions of Southeast Asia from colonization in 1887 to independence and the subsequent Vietnam Wars of the mid-1900s. During the colonial era, French Indochina was made up of Cochin-China, Annam, Cambodia, Tonkin, Kwangchowan, and Laos.

Today, the same region is divided into the nations of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. While much war and civil unrest tainted much of their early histories, these nations are faring far better since their French occupation ended over 70 years ago.

Although the French and Vietnam relationship may have started as early as the 17th century with missionary voyages, the French took power in the area and established a federation called French Indochina in 1887.

They designated the area as a "colonie d'exploitation," or in the more polite English translation, a "colony of economic interests." High taxes on local consumption of goods like salt, opium, and rice alcohol filled the coffers of the French colonial government, with just those three items comprising 44% of the government's budget by 1920.

With the local population's wealth almost tapped out, the French began in the 1930s to turn to exploiting the area's natural resources instead. What is now Vietnam became a rich source of zinc, tin, and coal as well as cash crops such as rice, rubber, coffee, and tea. Cambodia supplied pepper, rubber, and rice; Laos, however, had no valuable mines and was used only for low-level timber harvesting.

The availability of plentiful, high-quality rubber led to the establishment of famous French tire companies such as Michelin. France even invested in industrialization in Vietnam, building factories to produce cigarettes, alcohol, and textiles for export.

The Japanese Empire invaded French Indochina in 1941 and the Nazi-allied French Vichy government handed over Indochina to Japan. During their occupation, some Japanese military officials encouraged nationalism and independence movements in the region. However, the military higher-ups and the home government in Tokyo intended to keep Indochina as a valuable source of such necessities as tin, coal, rubber, and rice.

As it turns out, instead of liberating these rapidly forming independent nations, the Japanese instead decided to add them to their so-called Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere.

It soon became obvious to most Indochinese citizens that the Japanese intended to exploit them and their land just as ruthlessly as the French had done. This sparked the creation of a new guerrilla fighting force, the League for the Independence of Vietnam or "Viet Nam Doc Lap Dong Minh Hoi"—usually called Viet Minh for short. The Viet Minh fought against the Japanese occupation, uniting peasant rebels with urban nationalists into a communist-tinged independence movement.

When the Second World War ended, France expected the other Allied Powers to return its Indochinese colonies to its control, but the people of Indochina had different ideas. 

They expected to be granted independence, and this difference of opinion led to the First Indochina War and the Vietnam War. In 1954, the Vietnamese under Ho Chi Minh defeated the French at the decisive Battle of Dien Bien Phu, and the French gave up their claims to the former French Indochina through the Geneva Accord of 1954. 

However, the Americans feared that Ho Chi Minh would add Vietnam to the communist bloc, so they entered the war that the French had abandoned. After two additional decades of fighting, the North Vietnamese prevailed and Vietnam became an independent communist country. The peace also recognized the independent nations of Cambodia and Laos in Southeast Asia.

  • Cooper, Nikki. "France in Indochina: Colonial Encounters." New York: Berg, 2001.
  • Evans, Martin, ed. "Empire and Culture: The French Experience, 1830-1940." Basinstoke, UK: Palgrave Macmillan, 2004. 
  • Jennings, Eric T. "Imperial Heights: Dalat and the Making and Undoing of French Indochina." Berkeley: University of California Press, 2011.

“Indochina” may be a frequently occurring word when you search for the traveling information. But do you really know the meaning of Indochina? What is Indochina? Where is Indochina? How about Indochina? What countries does Indochina made of? If you have been wondering these questions about Indochina for a long time, it is your best time to learn about more details about Indochina. Especially if you are going to have a trip to Indochina, just follow us and we will introduce everything about Indochina.

Which Countries Make up Indochina?

Officially, in Indochina, there are 6 countries are considered as the "members" of this area. Next, we will introduce the 6 countries: Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam in detail. Please check our content below and get more information about the Indochina countries.

Cambodia

Formerly known as Kampuchea and the officially the Kingdom of Cambodia, Cambodia is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina peninsula in Southeast Asia. The capital and largest city is Phnom Penh, the political, economic and cultural center of Cambodia. And it became part of French Indochina in 1887, and gained its independence from French rule in 1953. Following the end of the French rule, the country was run by the monarchy, the dictator Pol Pot, Vietnam, and now its own constitution.

As a member of the association of Southeast Asian nations, Cambodia is one of the least developed countries in the world with a mainly agricultural economy and a weak industrial base. But now a major tourist center in Asia, Cambodia has opened its doors to foreign visitors and has started a boom in the tourist industry. With amazing sites such as Angkor and Siem Reap, as well as the Mekong Delta, Cambodia is now a great place to visit, and is famous around the world for its stunning sunsets.

Which of the following modern nations was not part of french indochina?

Angkor Wat Cambodia

Attractions in Cambodia

Considered as the Kingdom of Wonder, Cambodia attracts kinds of tourists with its sacred ancient temples and pagodas, awe-inspiring landscapes, tropical beaches and so on. Stay for longer time, you will get more impressive experience you never thought about. Next we will introduce some of the attractions you may be interested in, if you are going to have a Cambodia tour.

In Cambodia, Angkor Wat is the most famous ancient temple site in Cambodia, considered one of the ancient wonders of the world. The Ruins of Angkor Wat are located in the Angkor Archaeological Park, about 3 km north away from Siem Reap. The name "Angkor" comes from the Angkorian-era Khmer Empire that dominated the area of present day Cambodia. If you are planning to watch the sunrise, there is a popular location in the northern reflecting pool. You could catch an amazing scenery of the sunrise over the temple and you also have to get up early for the special event.

Besides, you can also visit Angkor Thom which was the last great capital of the Angkorian Empire. It is a huge walled city built in squared box formation protected by a moat and the walls. And you may also stop at the largest lake in Southeast Asia------The Tonle Sap Lake. And it is the richest fishing lake in the World. Rich in fresh water and water wildlife, this area raises more than three million population who earn a living by catching fish and making agriculture.

And if you are willing to tour Phnom Penh for breathing in the art and history, the several museums are much suitable for you. Among all the museums, Independence Museum and National Museum are the most popular. Independence Monument was built to mark the Cambodia's liberation from France. It is as a proud testament to show the respect to the people who dedicated their lives to the welfare of the country. As to National Museum, it offers a charming setting for a stunning collections of ancient Khmer art, pictures taken by French photographers and carvings of Angkor Wat. It is another traditional Khmer architecture in Cambodia, saved with an impressive red sandstone structure.

Laos

Officially known as the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), Laos is one of the poorest nations in Southeast Asia. It is a socialist state and the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia at the heart of the Indochinese peninsula, bordered by Myanmar and China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the southwest, and Thailand to the west and southwest. The capital and largest city is Vientiane.

As landlocked country, it became part of French Indochina in 1893, and gained independence in 1953, after which it was embroiled in a war cue to the Communist uprising, which ended with the adoption of a Communist state in 1975. While Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia promote themselves as “amazing”, “bustling”, and “awe-inspiring”, Laos is often the country that is “forgotten”. However, this has been changing over the last several years, and tourism is now the biggest growth sector in the country, with the numbers of tourists constantly rising thanks to their latest tourism slogan, “Simply Beautiful".

Which of the following modern nations was not part of french indochina?

Wat Xieng Thong in Luang Prabang

Attractions in Laos

If you are planning a trip to Laos in order to feel the historical charm of this country, the several popular historic spots are unmissable for you. At the capital----- Vientiane, the Laos National Museum is one of the places that you can learn more about history of Laos. Known as the Laos National History Museum. The Laos National Museum is located in the old French Governor's mansion where you will have a chance to learn about the history, culture and people of Laos. The whole museum covers a lot of ancient artifacts like Khmer sculptures, dinosaur bones, pottery fragments, and a single jar from the Plain of Jars in Savannakhe from prehistoric times to the modern day.

Besides, if you are interested in Buddhism culture, then visit That Luang. Also known as the Great Stupa in Vientiane, it is a symbol of Buddhism and Laos rule as well as the most sacred monument in the country. Every November when the Boun That Luang Festival is held in Vientiane, the main event will held at That Laung and thousands of people will come here to pay respect to the stupa. As to the natural scenery, we recommend the Kuang Si Waterfall is one of the most interesting attractions in Luang Prabang. With three tiers leading to a 50-meter drop into spectacular azure pools, it is a good place to swim and escape from the hot in summer days thanks to the surrounding lush tropical jungle.

Malaysia

Officially the Federation of Malaysia, Malaysia is a country in Southeast Asia. The federal constitutional monarchy consists of 13 states and three federal territories, separated by the South China Sea into two similarly sized regions: Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo. The capital is Kuala Lumpur and the federal government is in bucheng.

Taking up the lower part of the Malay Peninsula, as well as the northern part of Borneo, Malaysia has been a nation since around 2,000BC, and moved into northern Borneo around 1,800BC, displacing the indigenous Dayak tribes to the south of the island. European colonies were first established in the 16th century, and came under British Empire rule in the early 19th century.

Which of the following modern nations was not part of french indochina?

Redang Island in Malaysia

Attractions in Malaysia

For most of the experienced tourists that have visited Malaysia for many times, they may tell you that it is better to stay on beaches than at cities. And among all the resorts, Redang Island in Kuala Nerus District could be the most popular beach for your vacation. It is one of the largest islands off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is famous for its crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches. It is one of nine islands, which form a marine sanctuary park offering snorkeling and diving opportunities for you and your family members.

Myanmar

Originally home to the ancient Mon and Burma kingdoms, Myanmar (Burma) was a province of British India from 1886 to 1937, and a Crown Colony from 1937 to 1948, when it gained its independence. During British rule, the capital was the city of Rangoon, now known as Yangon, which changed to Naypyidaw in 1989 when the name was changed to Myanmar. Now Myanmar is bordered by India and Bangladesh to its west, Thailand and Laos to its east and China to its north and northeast.

Myanmar is now finding its place in the world, and in the hearts of thousands of travelers every year, as it finally emerges from its ancient past. For many people, Myanmar remains a place of mystery and undiscovered treasures, kept in isolation and away from tourism. Now that the country is recovering from its decades of war and seclusion, globetrotters from all over the world are discovering the reality of the myths and legends of this golden land.

Which of the following modern nations was not part of french indochina?

Hot balloons over Bagan Myanmar

Attractions in Myanmar

If you are going to have a trip to Myanmar, it is better to follow us and check for the fantastic attractions in Myanmar. You can have a sightseeing in the mysterious Bagan and experience the hot air balloon tour over ancient temples including Shwezigon Pagoda and Ananda Temple there. As for the Shwedagon Pagoda, located in Yangon Myanmar, it is a world-famous pagoda, and is also a symbol of Myanmar. It is known as one of the treasures of Oriental art with Borneo Pagoda in Indonesia and Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Locally known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw The, Shwedagon Pagoda is the oldest pagoda in the world.

Besides, you can spend your whole day at the market of Mandalay. Street markets in Mandalay are the kind of markets that make ambling travelers almost revel in. They brim with charismatic locals sat under bright umbrellas selling anything from the ripest of mangoes to the dawn’s freshest catch. Mandalay’s market scene is where the allure of Myanmar’s culture comes to life, and here are some of the city’s best and most unique bazaars to explore. You can start a beautiful day with having the remarkable Breakfast here-----a bit of continental, a timid tentative of British and, mainly, fantastic noodles and rice.

Thailand

Made up of what were originally several Thai kingdoms, Thailand was previously known as Siam, and the Siamese Kingdom ruled the nation from the 13th century until 1932. Thailand is bordered to the north by Myanmar and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the west by the Andaman Sea and the southern extremity of Myanmar. And the capital and largest city is Bangkok.

The then-King was forced to accept a constitution, and the name was changed to Thailand in 1939, with a brief reversion to Siam from 1946 to 1948. Sitting at the heart of the Indochinese Peninsular, Thailand has been through several coups from both democratic politicians and military junta over the last 50 years. Popularized by American military and expats who have moved to the country to live, Thailand has become a place of fun and frivolity. Popular with young backpackers for decades, Thailand is a place of tropical forests and a rural heartland, with centuries of culture and history, as well as the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, which tempts visitors in with promises of an “anything goes” lifestyle.

Which of the following modern nations was not part of french indochina?

The Grand Palace

Attractions in Thailand

As a predominantly Buddhist nation, Thailand is filled with gleaming temples and golden Buddhas, set in both rural and modern landscapes. It is always said that if you are going to only one tourist attraction during visiting Thailand, that should be the Grand Palace. It is the royal residence for 150 years and home of the Thai King, the Royal Court and the administrative seat of government till the turn of twentieth century. The beautiful architecture and intricate details show perfectly the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai People.

Thailand is also a country filled with wonders, from the religious festivals of Chiang Mai and the cave shrines of Kanchanaburi to the two long coastlines, with their azure waters and tropical getaway resorts for both hedonists and hermits. The coastal areas of Thailand, for example Phuket or Krabi, offer a widely varied menu, from diving with whale sharks to relaxing at a health spa. For the last 30+ years, Thailand has been the epitome of tropical vacations for western holiday-makers.

Vietnam

Officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Vietnam is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula. Vietnam is bordered by China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, Thailand across the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest, and the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia across the South China Sea to the east and southeast. The capital city has been Hanoi since the reunification of North and South Vietnam in 1976 while Ho Chi Minh City is the most populous city.

Since the late 1990s, Vietnam has become a major tourist destination, which has been assisted by both state and private investment. The main cities have undergone major reconstruction since the late 1970s, and are now some of the most modern cities in Southeast Asia.

Buddhism has long been the predominant religion of the country, and while it has had a very violent and brutal history of war, it is now rated as the safest place to visit in Southeast Asia. You will be guaranteed excellent experiences, delicious Vietnamese cuisine, delightful beaches, friendly locals, and the beautiful Vietnamese culture. While it may not boast of being the best or “most unique”, it can boast that it encompasses everything you might look for in a Southeast Asian vacation.

Which of the following modern nations was not part of french indochina?

Sapa in Vietnam

Attractions of Vietnam

For those who are willing to travel in city, you can visit Hanoi for Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Ba Dinh Square which is one of the most visited attractions in Hanoi. There rests the most popular Vietnamese leader, Ho Chi Minh. And if you prefer to enjoy the natural scenery, we recommend you to have a trekking to SAPA. To climb the Fan Si Pan Mountain which is the highest mountain in Vietnam with a height of 3, 143m, then visit the Cat Cat village to meet the friendly local women.

Besides, you can also visit the Hoi An Old Town which used to be a major trading post to Southeast Asia. You can get around on foot and have a rest here. Another way to discover this beautiful town is by bicycle. Rent a bike and get around in the town leisurely and slowly. You can find many old shops including countless tailors, souvenir shops, art galleries, restaurants and cafés.

Introduction of Indochina

History of Indochina

Indochina, also called French Indochina until 1950, is the area of Southeast Asia that included the former French colonial empire in the region, and several other countries that make up the Indochinese Peninsula, or Mainland Southeast Asia. The geographical name for a group of countries that fall within the sphere of influence of China to the east and the Indian sub-continent to the west, it was originally used as a term to describe the heritage and languages of the inhabitants of the area by European explorers in the early 19th century. French influence in the region extended from around 1858 to the fall of Dien Bien Phu in 1954.

Geography of Indochina

Indochina, also known as the Indochina Peninsula, is lying to the east of India and south or southwest of China. It refers to the location of the territory between India and China and is the Mainland Southeast Asia which is one of the three biggest peninsulas in south Asia. Indochina accounts for the 46% of the proportion of Southeast Asia area with covering an area of 2.065 million square kilometers. To the west of Indochina Peninsula, there are the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Sea and the Strait of Malacca. And to the east, it is the South China Sea. Indochina region is just like a land bridge that connecting East Asia and the archipelagos in south Asia.

There are many mountains and plateaus in the Indochina Peninsula from north to south. Numerous mountain ranges extend from South to north like a fan-shape, and form the topography with mountains and valleys. The topography of this peninsula goes from higher mountain regions to lower flatland and beaches in the south. There is the 1.17 million km’s coastline in Indochina Peninsula, so you may know many important harbors there, just like Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon), Danang and Yangon.

Please refer to the map on this page for more details.

Which of the following modern nations was not part of french indochina?

Indochina Map

Population of Indochina

In Indochina, the total population of all countries is over 257 million. And the majority of the languages spoken here belong to the Sino-Tibetan language family. This language family represents the second largest language in the world in terms of number of native speakers. In fact, Indochina is often considered the dividing line between Austroasiatic and Sino-Tibetan languages. And among the people in a large population, there are several religions believed in by them. And the Indochina peninsula is dominated by Buddhism.

Economy of Indochina

Since Indochina was used to regulate as a colony by French government, the means of local taxes offers the funding for colonial government and the French government almost monopolized the trade of salt, opium and rice alcohol.

After gaining independence from colonists, the Indochina governments devoted to achieving market-based economies within their respective countries. From the turn of the 20th century to present, the economy of Indochina rely heavily on agricultural production, especially the Vietnamese economy. To this area, rice and rubber exports are of vital importance. Besides, the Indochina government have started to improve industration so that they could increase the international trade opportunities and further the economic diversifacation.

Besides, tourism is also a very important part of the Indochina economy. It makes up a large percentage of the GDP in each country. Especially recent years, the tourism of Indochina has developed fast and UNESCO has also promoted the development of the tourism of Indochina.

Conclusion

Indochina can be considered as the mainland of Southeast Asia, and there are 6 countries in Indochina including Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. And all the countries are popular tourism destinations. If you are interested in Indochina tour, it is really worth visiting due to the various attractions in each country.

Which of the following modern nations was not part of french indochina?

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