To replace Emperor Duc Duc (who was soon to be murdered) the regents Nguyen Van Tuong and Ton That Thuyet decided to enthrone 37-year-old Hiep Hoa. Knowing the dubious reputation of the regents, Hiep Hoa wanted nothing to do with them but was eventually convinced to accept the crown by the powerful Empress-Dowager Tu Du. From the very begining Tuong and Thuyet were his enemies, eager for the opportunity to be rid of him. His Imperial Majesty was enthroned as the Son of Heaven on July 30, 1883.
It was on August 30, 1883 that Emperor Hiep Hoa saw the troublesome sign of a blue-hued sun. This omen soon proved correct as French ships under Admiral Courbet blocked the river leading to Hue and began bombarding the Vietnamese coast. By the power of cannon France forced a treaty on the Emperor. Admiral Courbet told Hiep Hoa, "We have no intention to annex your country but you must accept our protection. This is the only way your dynasty can survive." On the 25th Hiep Hoa had no choice but to sign the document making France "protector" and master of Vietnam's foreign relations.
In response, several of the court turned their anger on the Emperor for preserving their country rather than the French for that government's imperialist policies. Ton That Thuyet (who had brought down Emperor Duc Duc) insulted the Emperor in front of the court and refused to kowtow to him. Fearing (rightly so) for his life, Hiep Hoa had no one to turn to but the French protectorate for help. Thuyet found out and on November 28, 1883 had the Son of Heaven arrested.
In a closed "court" Thuyet charged his Emperor with wasting government money, ignoring the "advice" or rather orders of the regents and of plotting with a foreign power by signing the Harmond Treaty with France. No consideration was given to the fact that the Emperor had been almost literally forced to sign the treaty at gunpoint, nor to the fact that Vietnam would have faced certain destruction and defeat had he refused. Nevertheless, Emperor Hiep Hoa was forced to commit suicide by taking poison. He died on November 29, 1883. All those loyal to the Emperor were murdered. When the regent Tran Tien Thanh protested against these cruel measures he was assassinated as well. |
