ACTIVITIES OF PARTI CONSTITUTIONNALISTE INDOCHINOIS IN THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL MOVEMENT IN COCHINCHINA (1919 – 1942)

Abstract

The Parti Constitutionnaliste Indochinois was founded by Mr. Bui Quang Chieu and his associates based on the July 1, 1901 Law of the French state. From press sources in this time and using the historical and logical methods, this study find out some outstanding activities of the Parti Constitutionnaliste from 1919 to 1942. It was to join the economic boycott movement of the overseas Chinese bourgeoisie, anti-monopoly of Saigon port, campaign and run for the Cochinchina Colonial Council. The research results: the goal of the struggle of the Parti Constitutionnaliste was not to liberate and gain independence for the Vietnamese. In 1942, the party ended its activities. However, the Parti Constitutionnaliste made certain contributions such as: the party promoted political reforms in Cochinchina through its advocacy for press freedom, freedom of speech, and the right of Vietnamese people to participate in public institutions within the French colonial system; it also proposed economic reforms, with a particular focus on protecting the economic interests of the Vietnamese bourgeoisie. The activities of the Parti played a role in awakening national consciousness and raising political awareness in Vietnamese society at the time. This research helps better understand the political context of Vietnam in during colonial period, especially the different methods of struggle of social classes.