Following its defeat by Germany in the Franco-Prussian War, France wanted to acquire colonies to exploit them economically. France expanded its influence into Africa (Tunis, Madagascar, and the Niger and Congo regions) and Southeast Asia. In October 1887, French Indochina was formed as a federation of Annam, Tonkin, Cochinchina (these three regions form modern-day Vietnam), and Cambodia. Laos was added six years later as a result of the Franco-Siamese War. Local rulers were left in power but were nothing more than figureheads.
Which of the following statements is true regarding French colonialism in Southeast Asia in the late 19th century?
French influence in the region was strengthened when it conquered Japan and China.
The Chinese felt threatened by the French and went to war with them in the 1870s.
French rule in Indochina was peaceful and brought prosperity to the people there.
Nationalists immediately began fighting and demanding freedom from French rule.
