question_answer 4)

Write a note on   (a) What was meant by 'civilizing mission' of the Colonizers?   (b) Huynh Phu So  

Answer:

(a) The European countries acquired colonies in the East Asian countries to exploit their natural resources. Like other European countries the French also propagated that it was their mission to bring the benefits of civilization to backward people. They posed that they were driven by the idea of the civilizing mission. Like the British in India, the French claimed they were bringing modern civilization to Vietnam. They considered that it was their duty to bring modern ideas into their colonies even at the cost of destroying the local culture, beliefs, etc.    (b) Huynh Phu So was a revolutionary leader who started a religious tradition known as the Hoa Hao, Huynh Phu So was a nationalist icon and became a wanted man for the French colonial authorities, having gained 100,000 followers in less than a year. He was declared the 'Mad Bonze' and put in a mental asylum by the French. He performed miracles and helped the poor; condemning unnecessary expenses, gambling, intoxication and the sale of child brides. He was declared sane in 1941, but was exiled to Laos after the doctor treating him also became his follower.