Unified Vietnam's territories, established a new capital, and created a strong, centralized government, earning him a reputation as a skilled politician and strategist.
Gia Long, born Nguyen Phuc Anh, is revered as the founding emperor of the Nguyen dynasty, the last dynasty of Vietnam. He is credited with unifying the country, extending its territories, and establishing a strong military presence, earning him a permanent place in Vietnamese history.
Gia Long was born on February 8, 1762, as a nephew of the last Nguyen lord who ruled over south Vietnam. However, his family was slain in the Tay Son revolt when he was just 15 years old, forcing him to flee and go into hiding. Despite these early setbacks, Gia Long refused to give up and continued to fight for his rightful place on the throne.
In 1789, Gia Long's fortunes changed, and he began his northward march to defeat the Tay Son. During this time, he befriended French Catholic Bishop Pierre Pigneau de Behaine, who championed his cause to the French government. This alliance enabled Gia Long to recruit volunteers and receive modern military training, ultimately leading to his victory over the Tay Son rebellion.
By 1802, Gia Long had reunited Vietnam, extending its borders from the Qing dynasty's borders in the north to the Gulf of Siam in the south. He established a strong, Confucian-orthodox government, reinstating the classical Confucian education and civil service system. Gia Long also moved the capital from Hanoi to Hue, building fortresses and a palace in his new capital.
During his reign, Gia Long modernized Vietnam's defensive capabilities with the help of French expertise. He also tolerated the activities of Roman Catholic missionaries, a decision that would become increasingly restricted under his successors.
Under Gia Long's rule, Vietnam strengthened its military dominance in Indochina, expelling Siamese forces from Cambodia. His military campaigns expanded Vietnam's borders, making it a dominant force in the region. Gia Long's legacy extends beyond his military conquests, as he established a strong, unified Vietnam that would endure for centuries.
Gia Long was a strong adherent to Confucian orthodoxy, which guided his decision-making and policies during his reign. He believed in the importance of education, family values, and social hierarchies, which were central to Confucian philosophy.
Gia Long's legacy continues to inspire and influence Vietnamese culture and politics to this day, serving as a reminder of the importance of unity, strength, and leadership.
Born in 1791
Vietnamese emperor who ruled from 1820 to 1840, known for his efforts to modernize and strengthen Vietnam, while also maintaining its independence from European colonization.
