question_answer 8)

With reference to what you have read in this chapter, discuss the influence of China on Vietnam’s culture and life.  

Answer:

China influenced Vietnam's culture in many ways before the French conquered Vietnam. The early history of this region (Indo-China) shows different groups of people living here under the shadow of the powerful empire of China. Even when the Vietnamese gained independence in 1945, the rulers maintained the use of Chinese governance systems and culture. The elites were vastly influenced by Chinese culture and life, as has been elucidated in Phan Boi Chau's book The History of the Loss of Vietnam'. Chinese language and Confucianism were followed by the upper classes in Vietnam. In 1911, when the Chinese Republic came into being, students in Vietnam organized the Association for the Restoration of Vietnam. Vietnamese men also kept their hair long, which was an old Chinese tradition.