BORDER PROTECTION ACTIVITIES IN NAM KY UNDER THE REIGN OF EMPEROR MINH MENH (1820 - 1841)

Abstract

Border protection activities in Nam Ky under the Emperor Minh Menh (1820-1841) played a key role in safeguarding territorial sovereignty and ensuring border security. This article analyzes the historical context of Dai Nam and Southeast Asia during the first half of the 19th century, highlighting its impact on the Nguyen dynasty’s policies for defending the border area of Nam Ky. The study further clarifies the dynasty’s contributions to protecting the border area of Nam Ky under Emperor Minh Menh. Through historical and logical methods alongside archival sources, the research results shed light on the following issues: (1) the influence of the historical context of Dai Nam and Southeast Asia in the early 19th century on the organization and implementation of territorial sovereignty and border security measures in the border area of Nam Ky; (2) protection activities in the border area of Nam Ky were carried out frequently and comprehensively across key areas, including defensive organization, consolidation of military forces, public security, prevention of territorial infringements, and the the creation of buffer zones through Emperor Minh Menh’s strategic decisions. This article contributes to documenting the sovereignty protection by previous generations and to enhancing the positive values in current efforts to build and protect Vietnam's territorial sovereignty.