Phan Thanh Giản Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Phan Thanh Giản 潘清簡
Phan Thanh Giản in Paris in 1863.
Born	November 11, 1796 Ba Thanh village, Biên Hòa
Died	August 4, 1867 Cochinchina, Vietnam
Other names	Courtesy name (tự): Đạm Như (淡如) Pseudonym (hiệu): Lương Khê (梁溪).
Organization	Nguyễn dynasty
Notes
Negotiator of the Treaty of Saigon. Ambassador to France. Governor.

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Phan Thanh Giản (chữ Hán: 潘清簡; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Phoaⁿ Chheng-kán, November 11, 1796 – August 4, 1867) was an important leader in the Nguyễn dynasty court in Vietnam. He was a top advisor to the emperor. In 1863, he led a special trip to France. He died when France took over Southern Vietnam (Cochinchina) completely in 1867.

Phan Thanh Giản's family had roots in both China and Vietnam. His grandfather was from a group called Minh Hương, who were Chinese refugees. His grandmother was Vietnamese.

Phan Thanh Giản's Life and Work
Family Background
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Phan Thanh Giản's Life and Work

Phan Thanh Giản was one of the most important officials in the Nguyễn court. He played a big part in Vietnam's history during a difficult time.

Negotiating the Treaty of Saigon

In 1862, Phan Thanh Giản helped negotiate a peace agreement called the Treaty of Saigon with the French. This treaty meant that Vietnam had to give up some of its land to France. The areas given up included the provinces of Già Dinh, Mỹ Tho, Biên Hòa, and the Poulo Condore islands. Vietnam also had to pay money to the French.

Because of his role in these talks, many people in Vietnam, including the king, were not happy with Phan Thanh Giản.

His Trip to France in 1863

In 1863, Emperor Tự Đức sent Phan Thanh Giản on a special trip to France. His mission was to talk to Emperor Napoleon III and try to get the lost territories back. Phan Thanh Giản traveled with a group of 70 people.

When they met Napoleon III in November 1863, Phan Thanh Giản asked him to return the lands. Napoleon III seemed to agree, saying he would give the provinces back if Vietnam paid money and allowed French troops in some cities. However, a powerful French minister, Chasseloup-Laubat, strongly disagreed. He threatened to resign, which made Napoleon III cancel the agreement in 1864.

During his visit, Phan Thanh Giản was amazed by France's advanced technology, like steam trains. He returned to Vietnam saying that France's "wealth and strength are beyond description."

Becoming a Governor

After his trip, Emperor Tự Đức made Phan Thanh Giản the governor of the remaining southern provinces. In 1867, France invaded these last southern areas. Phan Thanh Giản chose not to fight back and did not defend the city of Vĩnh Long. He waited for orders that never came. He then resigned from his job and took his own life by poisoning himself.

Family Background

Phan Thanh Giản's family had a mix of Chinese and Vietnamese heritage. His grandfather, Phan Thanh Tap, came from China in the early 1700s. He settled in Vietnam and married a Vietnamese woman. Their son, Phan Thanh Ngạn, was Phan Thanh Giản's father.

Phan Thanh Giản's mother also had Chinese ancestors who moved to Vietnam. Phan Thanh Giản had three sons: Phan Hương, Phan Liêm, and Phan Tôn. Phan Liêm and Phan Tôn later led a fight against the French soldiers who had taken over Vĩnh Long. They were defeated and captured. Phan Hương stayed in Vĩnh Long and lived as a farmer.