The position of governor-general in the politics of the early Nguyen dynasty (1802-1832)

DOI: 10.18173/2354-1067.2023-0029

Abstract

During the first 30 years of the Nguyen Dynasty, there existed a special type of local administrative organization called "Thanh", including Bac Thanh and Gia Dinh Thanh. This is the level of the administrative organization reserved for only two large areas at both ends of the country, with the function of managing, administering, and connecting the central court with the towns under the Thanh. Bac Thanh and Gia Dinh Thanh during their existence have made important contributions to sharing management work in localities, especially activities to ensure the security and stability of the political and social situation. At the head of the Thanh and accountable to the Governor for all of the Thành activities was the Governor, always a general with the highest rank and title in the ranks of contemporary officials. The Governor had great power compared to the ranks of officials who headed the localities (towns\palaces) of the early Nguyen Dynasty. On the other hand, the Governors all came from generals who fought in battle and made many victories, so they were all classified as people with great merits and were highly respected. With an important role and function in the state apparatus along with special status, the Governor had a great influence on the politics of the early Nguyen Dynasty during the period of his existence from 1802 to 1832.