question_answer

What was the dilemma faced by the French while educating the Vietnamese?

Answer:

In pursuance of the civilising mission, the French wanted to introduce modern ideas through western education. But in this area they were faced with a dilemma due to following:

(i) The French required an educated labour force but feared that education might create problems for them in future.

(ii) Once educated the Vietnamese might begin to question colonial domination.

(iii) Moreover the 'colons' or the French who lived in Vietnam began to fear that, once educated, the Vietnamese might replace them in jobs as teachers, policemen, etc.

So, they did not know how far they should educate the natives. Many opposed policies that proposed to give the Vietnamese full access to French education.