The development process of the capital Hanoi
Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital of Vietnam, is not only the political, cultural and educational center but also a symbol of the country's ups and downs and development. Since its establishment under the name Thang Long in 1010 until today, Hanoi has gone through many important stages of development, marked by important historical events and changes in economy, culture and society. This article will help you better understand the development process of the capital Hanoi through historical periods.
1. Thang Long Under the Ly Dynasty – The First Dynasty to Establish the Capital
The history of Hanoi began in 1010 when King Ly Thai To decided to move the capital from Hoa Lu to Dai La and named it Thang Long. This move not only marked the birth of a new political center but also demonstrated the strategic vision of the Ly Dynasty in developing a land with a favorable economic, military and cultural position.
Thang Long under the Ly dynasty quickly developed into a bustling urban area, with a system of palaces, pagodas and solidly built ramparts. This was also a period of brilliant cultural and educational development with the construction of the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam, a place to train talents for the country. During the Ly dynasty, Thang Long gradually affirmed its position as the political and cultural center of Dai Viet nation.
2. Thang Long in the Tran Dynasty – Strong in Military and Economy
During the Tran Dynasty (1225-1400), Thang Long continued to develop strongly, especially in the military. This was the period when Vietnam faced major invasions by the Mongol-Yuan army, and Thang Long witnessed heroic battles, typically defeating the Mongol-Yuan army three times (1258, 1285, 1288).
Economically, Thang Long under the Tran Dynasty also developed strongly with the prosperity of agriculture and handicrafts. Thang Long became a major trading center of Dai Viet, attracting merchants from many places to trade.
3. Thang Long in the Le Dynasty – Cultural and Educational Development
After the Ho Dynasty and the resistance war against the Ming, the Le Dynasty (1428-1789) brought Thang Long back to its central position in the country. Under King Le Thanh Tong, Thang Long became the largest cultural and educational center of Dai Viet. Many schools and research institutes were built, and the training of mandarins became more systematic and methodical.
In terms of architecture, many important works such as the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the One Pillar Pagoda, and other temples and pagodas were built or renovated, contributing to the beauty of the capital Thang Long. Thang Long at this time was also famous for the development of craft villages and bustling markets, becoming the leading economic center of the country.
4. Hanoi in the Nguyen Dynasty – From Thang Long to Hanoi
In 1802, when King Gia Long established the Nguyen Dynasty and chose Hue as the capital, Thang Long no longer played the role of political center. However, Thang Long was still an important cultural and educational center. In 1831, King Minh Mang changed the name of Thang Long to Hanoi, officially giving this land the name we know today.
Although no longer the capital, Hanoi continues to develop as a major cultural and economic center of the North. Architectural works such as Hanoi Citadel, large markets and old quarters still retain important cultural and economic values.
5. Hanoi during the French Colonial Period – Administrative Center of Indochina
Since the end of the 19th century, after the French colonialists occupied Vietnam, Hanoi became the administrative and political center of the whole of Indochina. Many French-style architectural works were built during this period, such as the Hanoi Opera House, the Presidential Palace, the Palace of the Governor General of Indochina, and many other European-style neighborhoods.
During the French colonial period, Hanoi was not only the administrative center but also the place where many political activities and patriotic movements of the Vietnamese people took place. Hanoi became the cradle of the revolutionary movement, with major uprisings such as the Yen Bai uprising, the Bac Son uprising and especially the August Revolution in 1945, opening a new period in Vietnamese history.
6. Hanoi After the August Revolution and the Resistance Period
After the success of the August Revolution in 1945, Hanoi became the capital of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. However, the country was not yet completely independent as the resistance war against French colonialism continued. Hanoi experienced many fierce battles, especially the attack on Hanoi in 1946 when the French army returned to occupy.
During the resistance war against France and then the resistance war against the US, Hanoi was both the political and cultural center and a symbol of the resilience and resistance spirit of the entire nation. In 1954, after the victory at Dien Bien Phu, Hanoi was liberated and became the official capital of North Vietnam.
7. Modern Hanoi – Strong Development
After 1975, Hanoi continued to develop strongly as the capital of the country. After the Doi Moi in 1986, Hanoi had great changes in all areas from economy, culture, education to urban infrastructure. Many modern works, new urban areas, and industrial zones were built, making Hanoi one of the fastest growing cities in Southeast Asia.
Besides modern development, Hanoi still retains its traditional culture through the preservation of historical relics such as the Temple of Literature, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and the Old Quarter. Hanoi is not only the economic and political center of Vietnam but also an attractive tourist destination for domestic and foreign visitors.
Hanoi Development
The capital Hanoi with more than a thousand years of history has gone through many ups and downs, from the Thang Long period of feudal dynasties to modern Hanoi. Each stage of the city's development has left special marks, creating a colorful Hanoi, where tradition and modernity blend.
Hanoi is not only the heart of Vietnam but also a symbol of patriotism, resilience and intelligence of the Vietnamese people. Through the development process, Hanoi has affirmed its important position in the region and the world, becoming a city with enduring vitality and strong development.
