Nhà Nguyễn đã tiếp thu tri thức kỹ thuật quân sự phương Tây như thế nào? | Spiderum

Key Concepts

• Bế quan tỏa cảng (Isolationist Policy): A policy of restricting foreign trade and contact.
• Khoa học kỹ thuật quân sự phương Tây (Western Military Science and Technology): Advanced military knowledge and technologies developed in Western countries.
• Thực dụng (Pragmatic/Utilitarian): Focused on practical application and immediate benefit rather than fundamental understanding.
• Kiến trúc Vô Bong (Vauban Fortifications): A style of military fortification developed by Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, characterized by star-shaped designs and complex defensive structures.
• Tiếp biến văn hóa (Cultural Syncretism/Acculturation): The process of blending different cultures or cultural traits.
• Nho giáo (Confucianism): A system of thought and ethics originating from Confucius, emphasizing social harmony, respect for authority, and moral cultivation.

Summary

This analysis delves into the extent to which the Nguyễn Dynasty in Vietnam adopted Western military science and technology, challenging the common notion that their downfall was solely due to a strict isolationist policy. While acknowledging the existence of such a policy, the text argues that the Nguyễn court, particularly during the reigns of Gia Long, Minh Mạng, and Thiệu Trị, actively sought to acquire and adapt Western military knowledge and techniques.

1. Adoption of Western Military Science and Technology

The Nguyễn Dynasty's engagement with Western military advancements was not a complete rejection but rather a selective and pragmatic adoption.

• Military Equipment and Weaponry:
  • The court actively purchased weapons from Western merchants.
  • They improved upon Western weapon designs, creating more powerful versions of firearms like the "xung tiêu," "trấn hải," and "điểu sang."
  • Under Minh Mạng, over 30,000 Western-style firearms were produced by assembling imported parts with domestically manufactured gun barrels.
  • Innovations included the creation of various types of artillery shells, such as the "hỏa cầu nghìn hạt trâu" (fireball with a thousand buffalo horns) and "hỏa cầu sấm sét" (fireball of thunder and lightning), developed by artilleryman Nguyễn Cửu Nghị in 1831.
• Naval Technology:
  • The Nguyễn learned from Western designs for armored ships ("thuyền bọc đồng"), steamships ("thuyền hơi nước"), and sampans ("thuyền sam bản").
  • These vessels were utilized for various state functions, including naval operations, transportation, and patrols.
  • Robert, an envoy from the British East India Company, noted in 1814 that some Vietnamese ships showed strong connections to European or Chinese designs, with European-style superstructures on Chinese-style hulls.
  • The shipbuilding yards in Gia Định produced 200 ships in 1819, many of which were European-style sailboats with oars, featuring European-style hulls but a blend of European and Vietnamese oar designs.
  • Improvements were made to armored ships, with Minh Mạng ordering modifications to the rigging and sail systems for easier operation. The "Thái Loan" ship, a result of these improvements, was praised by Thiệu Trị.
  • The development of steamships was also pursued. After an initial failure in 1839 due to a boiler explosion, a new steamship was successfully built and tested on the Nhị Hà River. The "Yên Phi" steamship, after repairs and modifications by Nguyễn craftsmen, proved faster than the renowned "Bình Hải" ship. This led to the construction of two more steamships, "Vũ Phi" and "Hương Phi."
• Fortification Architecture:
  • The Nguyễn adopted the Vauban fortification style from Europe, constructing at least 32 such forts across the country.
  • Initially, the construction of forts like Sài Gòn and Vĩnh Khánh relied on French designs and supervision.
  • However, Vietnamese engineers, trained by French officers and through translated documents, became proficient in building these forts.
  • The construction of Huế Citadel and Hanoi Citadel exemplifies this mastery. Gia Long himself is credited with drawing plans for fortifications based on French advice, even after French assistance ceased.
  • Hanoi Citadel, built in a square shape (a disadvantage for Vauban designs), was modified with increased wall sinuosity by Vietnamese architects to enhance defensive capabilities.

2. Characteristics of the Adoption Process

The adoption of Western military technology was marked by several key characteristics:

• Adaptation and Innovation: Western knowledge was not adopted wholesale but adapted to local conditions and often incorporated elements of indigenous techniques. This led to unique Vietnamese adaptations, such as the integration of Eastern philosophical concepts (four seasons, five elements) into the casting of nine large cannons.
• Pragmatism and Lack of Fundamental Understanding: The focus was on practical application rather than a deep understanding of underlying scientific principles. The successful construction of steamships, for instance, is described as "perfect imitation" rather than systematic technical assimilation.
• Limited Scope and Social Stratification: The benefits of these advancements were primarily enjoyed by the ruling elite and did not permeate into the lives of the general populace. The agricultural economy remained dominant, and widespread illiteracy limited the broader adoption of new knowledge.
• Influence of Confucianism: The deeply ingrained Confucian ideology among the ruling class created obstacles to fully embracing Western scientific and technical knowledge.
• Geographical Concentration: The adoption of Western military technology was largely confined to strategically important defensive areas like borders, coastal regions, and the capital, rather than spreading throughout the country.
• Focus on Military over Other Sciences: The Nguyễn court prioritized military technology for national security, neglecting other scientific fields like literature, geography, or languages.

3. Key Arguments and Perspectives

• Challenging the "Bế Quan Tỏa Cảng" Narrative: The text argues against the simplistic explanation that the Nguyễn Dynasty's failure was solely due to isolationism. It highlights active, albeit limited, engagement with Western technology.
• Vietnamese Ingenuity and Adaptability: The Vietnamese demonstrated significant skill in adapting and innovating upon foreign technologies, as seen in weapon manufacturing, shipbuilding, and fortification construction.
• Dual Policy of Adoption and Caution: The Nguyễn court exhibited a dual approach: seeking to benefit from Western advancements while simultaneously fearing the potential for foreign encroachment and the erosion of their ideological foundations (Confucianism). This led to inconsistent policies and hindered progress.
• Impact on Vietnamese Society: The introduction of Western military technology initiated a gradual societal shift, preparing the ground for future engagement with Western civilization. It also fostered the emergence of a new class of skilled professionals.

4. Notable Quotes and Statements

• "The Western military science and technology were introduced into Vietnam not entirely received in their original form, but adapted, even with elements of creativity with local scientific and technical elements to suit the actual situation in Vietnam." (Paraphrased from the text)
• "Minh Mạng was a king who did not trust foreigners, so the memories of Chatong's good deeds in the past faded, and the circumstances were not as favorable as before." (Referring to the cautious attitude towards French advisors)
• "The construction of these fortifications, as we have observed, was planned and executed according to technical principles and building materials, and the architectural works were no less inferior to the original drawings." (John Crawford's observation on Gia Long's engineering capabilities)

5. Technical Terms and Concepts Explained

• Xung tiêu, trấn hải, điểu sang: Specific types of firearms or cannons used by the Nguyễn Dynasty.
• Thuyền bọc đồng: Armored ships, likely wooden vessels covered with metal.
• Thuyền hơi nước: Steamships, powered by steam engines.
• Thuyền sam bản: A type of sampan or small boat.
• Kiến trúc Vô Bong (Vauban Fortifications): A sophisticated system of defensive fortifications characterized by star-shaped bastions and complex earthworks, designed to provide overlapping fields of fire and resist artillery.
• Hỏa cầu: Fireballs or incendiary projectiles used in artillery.
• Thần công: Large cannons.
• Ngũ hành: The five elements in traditional Chinese philosophy (wood, fire, earth, metal, water), often used in symbolic contexts.
• Hệ thống cấu trúc (Structural System Theory): A theoretical framework used to analyze the process of change and integration within systems, involving breaking down old structures, integrating new elements, and forming new, stable systems.

6. Logical Connections Between Sections

The summary progresses logically from the general perception of Nguyễn Dynasty's failure to a detailed examination of their engagement with Western military technology. It then analyzes the characteristics of this engagement, the underlying arguments, and the broader impacts. The discussion on shipbuilding and fortifications serves as concrete examples of the adoption and adaptation process. The text connects the limited adoption to socio-political factors like Confucianism and the pragmatic, security-focused approach of the court. Finally, it concludes by synthesizing the positive and negative aspects of this historical process and its long-term implications.

7. Data, Research Findings, and Statistics

• Over 30,000 Western-style firearms produced under Minh Mạng.
• At least 32 Vauban-style forts constructed across Vietnam.
• In 1819, 200 ships were built in Gia Định.
• From 1820 to 1841, trade between Nam Kỳ and Singapore saw significant growth, reaching nearly 2 million francs in 1839 and over 2.9 million francs in 1841.
• Approximately 4,000 tons of goods were traded annually between Singapore and Nam Kỳ before the Crawford delegation's visit.
• Merchant ships used by the king ranged from 300 to 600 tons.

8. Section Headings

• Key Concepts
• Summary
  • 1. Adoption of Western Military Science and Technology
    • Military Equipment and Weaponry
    • Naval Technology
    • Fortification Architecture
  • 2. Characteristics of the Adoption Process
  • 3. Key Arguments and Perspectives
  • 4. Notable Quotes and Statements
  • 5. Technical Terms and Concepts Explained
  • 6. Logical Connections Between Sections
  • 7. Data, Research Findings, and Statistics
  • 8. Conclusion: Synthesis of Main Takeaways

9. Conclusion: Synthesis of Main Takeaways

The Nguyễn Dynasty's engagement with Western military science and technology was a complex and nuanced process. While not entirely isolationist, their adoption was characterized by pragmatism, a focus on immediate security needs, and a limited scope that primarily benefited the ruling elite. The dynasty demonstrated ingenuity in adapting and innovating upon foreign technologies, particularly in shipbuilding and fortification. However, internal ideological constraints (Confucianism), a lack of fundamental scientific understanding, and a cautious, inconsistent approach to foreign relations ultimately limited the transformative potential of these advancements. This selective and pragmatic adoption, while laying some groundwork for future engagement with Western civilization, did not prevent Vietnam's military inferiority and subsequent defeat by French colonial forces in the latter half of the 19th century. The process ultimately led to a cultural syncretism where Western elements were integrated with indigenous knowledge, creating unique Vietnamese adaptations but not a wholesale modernization of the nation's scientific and technological base.