Vietnam's history spans over 4000 years — from Hùng kings, 1000 years of Chinese rule, independent dynasties, French colonization, Vietnam War, to modern Vietnam.
Hùng Kings and Văn Lang (2879-258 BC)
Hùng kings ruled Văn Lang. Then Âu Lạc (257-208 BC). Triệu Đà defeated Âu Lạc 208 BC — beginning of 1000-year Chinese rule.
Chinese Rule (111 BC - 939 AD)
China occupied 1000 years. Trưng Sisters uprising 40 AD. Lady Triệu 248. Finally Ngô Quyền defeated Southern Han army at Bạch Đằng River 938 — beginning of independence era.
Independent Dynasties (939-1858)
Ngô, Đinh, Early Lê, Lý (1009-1225 — capital Thăng Long), Trần (1225-1400 — defeated 3 Mongol invasions 1258, 1285, 1288), Hồ, Lê (1428-1788 — Lê Lợi drove out Ming), Tây Sơn, Nguyễn (1802-1945) dynasties.
French Colonization (1858-1945)
France attacked Đà Nẵng 1858. After 30 years of war, France controlled all Vietnam 1887. Cần Vương movement, Đông Du. Phan Bội Châu, Phan Chu Trinh — patriots.
Hồ Chí Minh and Vietnam War (1945-1975)
Hồ Chí Minh proclaimed Declaration of Independence September 2, 1945. French War 1946-1954 — victory at Điện Biên Phủ. Geneva Agreement 1954 — divided. Vietnam War 1955-1975. April 30, 1975 — liberation of Saigon, unification of country.
Unified Vietnam (1976-1986)
Socialist Republic of Vietnam July 2, 1976. Planned economy struggled. Border wars with Cambodia (1979) and China (1979).
Đổi Mới and Modern Era (1986-today)
Đổi Mới 1986 — transition to socialist-oriented market economy. Normalization with USA 1995. WTO 2007. 100 million population. Rapid economic growth. Rising middle class.