Question
How did the local people in the areas conquered by the Napoleon react to French rule? Explain.
OR
Why did a major protest erupt in 1926 in the Saigon Native Girls School in Vietnam? Explain.
Solution
In the areas conquered, the reactions of the local populations to French rule were mixed. Initially, in many places such as Holland and Switzerland, as well as in certain cities like Brussels, Mainz, Milan and Warsaw, the French armies were welcomed as harbingers of liberty. But the initial enthusiasm soon turned to hostility as it became clear that the new administrative system did not go hand in hand with political freedom. Increased taxation, censorship and forced conscription into the army seemed to outweigh the advantages of the administrative changes.
OR
In 1926 a major protest erupted in the Saigon Native Girls School. A Vietnamese girl who was sitting in one of the front seats was asked to move back of the class and allow a French student to occupy the front bench. She refused. The principal, expelled her. When angry students protested, they too were expelled, leading to a further spread of open protests. Seeing the situation getting out of control, forced the school to take the students back. The principal reluctantly agreed but warned the students to crush Vietnamese under his feet.
