The young Prince Nguyen Vinh San was the son of Emperor Thanh Thai and his queen Nguyen Thi Dinh. When his father was found to be plotting against the colonial authorities to free Vietnam, he was deposed and his young son Prince Nguyen Vinh San was chosen to replace him. At the age of only eight he was enthroned as Emperor Duy Tan of Vietnam, the "Friend of Reforms". Although he would not be able to complete his reign on the Golden Throne of Vietnam, Emperor Duy Tan would inspire countless future patriots with his courage against the colonial regime and his great compassion towards the people of Vietnam.
Immediately after his coronation everyone noticed how the young boy quickly matured and proved to be intelligent beyond his years. He soon became aware that the Imperial Court at Hue was not allowed to rule Vietnam, but was instead being ignored or dominated by the French colonial officials claiming to be their "protectors". Emperor Duy Tan was extremely concerned for his people and with the encouragement of the brave revolutionary Tran Cao Van, became determined to set his country free. Although he appreciated French culture, and desired friendship with France, he soon became aware of the evils associated with the colonial government. When French troops, searching for gold and treasure, violated the sacred tomb of Duy Tan's ancestor, the Emperor Tu Duc, he sent an angry protest to the French officials. This event showed him the true face of colonial aggression.
In the ensuing years Emperor Duy Tan did a great deal to help his struggling people, demonstrating the compassion which caused men like Phan Boi Chau to give him such adoration. As Emperor he called for France and Vietnam to revise the Patenotre agreements of 1884. He eliminated unneeded waste at court, cut back government spending and reduced his own salary to 6,000 piastres. When the French imposed harsh taxes on his people he gave up half of his small allowance to the poor so his struggling people could buy rice. He stood up to the French administration and announced that since he was Emperor, it was his duty and his right to guide and protect Vietnam and stated France should have nothing to do with Vietnamese affairs. Soon however, it became clear that words would not be enough.
Working with a small group of patriots, in 1916, the Emperor Duy Tan began planning a rebellion against the colonial government and a revolution to free Vietnam from French control. He was only sixteen-years-old when he left the Forbidden City by boat to call on the people to join him in revolt. Sadly, the group of revolutionaries was spotted by a French collaborator and before the Emperor's call could take action the authorities had arrested Emperor Duy Tan and his supporters. The other men agreed to confess so that their beloved king could live and were all executed by the French. Emperor Duy Tan was deposed and reduced in rank to Prince of Annam and on November 3, 1916 was exiled to La Reunion Island along with his mother and father, his wife Mai Thi Vang and sister Princess Luong Nhan.
Even in exile however Prince Vinh San continued to work for the freedom and liberation of his country. During World War II he joined the Free Forces to combat the Axis powers that threatened the world. He kept in contact with Vietnamese nationalists as well as the French government. In late 1945 he was on his way back to Vietnam to work for the independence of Vietnam as a constitutional monarchy when his plane crashed in a mysterious accident. Many people believe that the Communists purposely killed Emperor Duy Tan since the popularity of this beloved monarch and national hero would have been a great enemy to their plans for conquest. Prince Nguyen Vinh San was buried in the Central African Republic until 1987 when France and Vietnam allowed his remains to be brought home and laid to rest in imperial tomb of his ancestors in Hue City. |
