Nguyen Truont to Inconclusive Renovation Leader

摘要

Nguyen Truong To was born in 1828 (Lunar Mau Ty Year) and was the same age as Hanoi Governor Hoang Dieu. Hoang Dieu was defeated in fighting against invading French troops, while Nguyen Truong To failed in his efforts for a western-style renovation in our country. These two failures sent our nation into a century of foreign rule and triggered subsequent effects on later generations. Nguyen Truong To lived in the darkest period of history. Frenchmen wanted to rule while the feudal regime was irresolute in protecting independence. The situation went from bad to worse when Frenchmen seized our country part by part. Nguyen Truong To did not pursue position and fame by taking part in feudal examinations, which aimed to recruit officials. However, he was still called Doctor To. He was famous for his intelligence and knowledge. He visited Hong Kong, Singapore, Switzerland, Italy and France. His knowledge in culture, military, diplomacy, legislation, economics, science and technology were above the levels of most people of the time.