Modern Urbanization of Colonial French Hanoi, 1897-1907

Abstract

Even though Hanoi has been discontinuously
established as a capital through times, Hanoi has a long
history from 1010 A.D. in the era of kingdom until now
in the era of republic. The experience of Hanoi as the
capital of French Indochina during 1897-1907 is
considered as one of the most important periods during
which Hanoi had been completely urbanized in the
Western style. How did the governments of French
Indochina change the landscapes of the French colonial
capital? In what sense is defined the modernization of
Hanoi? What are the forces profondes of the
urbanization? In comparison to contemporary capitals in
the World, what are any significant differences? The
problematic of the paper is: what are the characteristics
of the early urbanization of Hanoi during 1897-1907?
And what are the reasons behind this?
This paper aims to explore the early urbanization
of Hanoi as French colonial capital in the Indochinese
Peninsula during 1897-1907. The results of the study are
the followings. Firstly, the period of 1897-1907 is
considered as one of the most important periods where
the landscapes of Hanoi had been completely
urbanized : urban planning, buildings, infrastructure such
as roads, water supply, electricity, tramways, etc.
Secondly, the forces profondes behind the continuous
operations of the two French Indochina governments of
Paul Doumer and Paul Beau are the modernization of
Hanoi and the glory of French colonization. In
conclusion, the urbanization of Hanoi under French
Indochina governments occurred at the same of the
European modernization. Consequently, Hanoi was
made as to be the centre of modernization reflecting
the prosperity and scientific and technological progress
in all sectors of France, a great power both in politics
and culture in the Far East.