Hanoian intellectuals and the reform movement and the strucggle for national liberation in the early of the 20th century

Abstract

In the second haft of the 19th century there appeared in Vietnam some Confucian reformers, like Bui Vien, Pham Phu Thu, Nguyen Truong To and Nguyen Lo Trach, however until the early of 20th century, the Confucian reformers constituted a influential force with a nationwide network. In 1920s, 1930s, in Hanoi the Westernized movement was raised up strongly. In the mean time, there was the trend returning to the national cultural identities (national spirit, national characteristics), manifested the respects and sense of preserving the good cultural values of the Vietnamese people. Along with the Westernization there was a movement of Hanoi intellectuals struggling for national liberation. The colonial schools were the cradle where many culturists and patriots were nursed, like Le Thuoc, Dang Thai Mai, Cao Xuan Huy, Pham Gia Thieu, Ca Van Thinh, Hoang Minh Giam... They become the "primer" in many struggles. The respression of the French in the schools lead to the change of the struggles from moderate styles to violent ones. The efforts of Hanoi intellectuals in reform movements and in the struggle for national liberation largely affected the people in the whole country, and remarkably contributed to the development of the Vietnamese nation after the August Revolution of 1945