Bảo Đại

Bảo Đại was the 13th and final emperor of the Nguyễn dynasty. This was the last ruling dynasty of Vietnam. His birth name was Nguyễn Phúc Vĩnh Thụy. His era name, Bảo Đại, means "Keeper of Greatness" or "Protector of Grandeur."

He lived from October 22, 1913, to July 31, 1997. His life spanned many massive changes in Vietnamese history. He served as a monarch and a chief of state during a century of conflict.

Bảo Đại's early life was shaped by French colonial rule. By 1883, the French had conquered Vietnam and split it into three areas. These were the protectorates of Annam and Tonkin, and the colony of Cochinchina. The Nguyễn dynasty kept nominal rule over Annam and Tonkin.

Vĩnh Thụy was the only child of Emperor Khải Định. In 1922, at age nine, he became the Crown Prince of East Palace. He traveled to France for a colonial exhibition in Marseille that same year.

He was the first Vietnamese monarch to receive a full Western education. This education would later influence his views on ruling. He studied at the Lycée Condorcet and the Hattemer School in France. Later, in 1930, he studied at Sciences Po in Paris.

While in Paris, he developed interests in Western sports like tennis, golf, and skiing. He also became a very skilled and fast driver of high-speed cars. These modern interests were very different from the conservative traditions of the Vietnamese imperial family.

Bảo Đại became emperor on January 8, 1926, at only 12 years old. Because he was a child, he did not rule directly. Instead, a regent named Tôn Thất Hân managed the government.

Most of his youth was spent back in France. The French colonial government and the imperial court grew impatient with his long absence. Some officials even worried he lacked the enthusiasm to return and rule. He eventually began his journey home in September 1932 on a ship called "Président Doumer."

His return to Vietnam was dangerous due to political unrest. A group from the French Communist Party planned an assassination plot against him.

Because of this threat, his ship traveled with warships for protection. He eventually arrived in Đà Nẵng and traveled to the city of Hue. Upon his return, he felt as if he were entering a prison after years of freedom. He began to rule directly and sought to change the imperial court.

Bảo Đại introduced several reforms to modernize the monarchy. He abolished the custom of kowtowing, which meant subjects no longer had to kneel before him. He also banned the practice of mandarins wearing excessively long fingernails or long beards.

He wanted to move Vietnam toward a constitutional monarchy. However, the French Resident General held the power to veto his decisions. This meant the real leadership of the country remained largely in French hands.

His political role changed as the global situation shifted. In March 1945, the Japanese ousted the Vichy French administration. Through the Japanese, Bảo Đại proclaimed the Empire of Vietnam.

After Japan surrendered in August 1945, he abdicated his throne. From 1949 to 1955, he served as the chief of state for the anti-communist State of Vietnam. He was often criticized for being too close to France and spending much time abroad.

His political career ended through a democratic process. In 1955, Prime Minister Ngô Đình Diệm held a referendum.

This vote resulted in Bảo Đại being ousted from his position. His life serves as a window into the complex transition of Vietnam from a monarchy to a modern nation. He remained a significant historical figure long after his reign ended.