How did the French justify their rule in Indo-China?

The French justified their rule in Indo-China through the ideology of the 'civilising mission' and economic exploitation.

The French colonisation of Indo-China, which included modern-day Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, was justified through the ideology of the 'civilising mission'. This was a belief that it was the duty of the 'superior' European races to civilise the 'inferior' non-European races. The French argued that they were bringing progress and development to the region by introducing Western education, technology, and institutions. They claimed that their rule was beneficial for the local people as it would uplift them from their 'primitive' state and bring them into the modern world.

The French also justified their rule through economic exploitation. They argued that their control over Indo-China was necessary for the economic development of the region. The French established plantations, mines, and factories in Indo-China and exploited the local labour and resources for their own economic benefit. They claimed that this economic exploitation was beneficial for the local people as it would lead to economic growth and prosperity.

Moreover, the French used the divide and rule strategy to justify their rule. They exploited the ethnic, religious, and regional divisions among the local people to maintain their control. They argued that their rule was necessary to prevent the local people from fighting among themselves and to maintain peace and stability in the region.

In addition, the French used the threat of other colonial powers to justify their rule. They argued that if they did not colonise Indo-China, other European powers would. They claimed that their rule was necessary to protect the local people from the potential exploitation and oppression by other colonial powers.

In conclusion, the French justified their rule in Indo-China through a combination of ideological, economic, political, and strategic arguments. They portrayed themselves as the benevolent guardians of the local people, bringing progress, development, peace, and protection to the region. However, these justifications were often used to mask the harsh realities of French colonial rule, including exploitation, oppression, and resistance.