---
node: nguyen_dynasty
type: period
slug: nguyen_dynasty
title: "Nguyen dynasty"
lead: "The Nguyen dynasty (1802–1945) was Vietnam's last: Gia Long unified the country in 1802 with its capital at Hue, and the final emperor, Bao Dai, abdicated in August 1945."
published: 2026-07-09
updated: 2026-07-09
image_file: nguyen_dynasty.jpg
image_source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Portique_du_tombeau_de_l%E2%80%99Empereur_%C4%90%E1%BB%93ng_Kh%C3%A1nh.jpg"
image_author: "Unknown"
image_license: "Public domain"
---

## Overview

Nguyen Anh, a survivor of the Tay Son destruction of the southern Nguyen lords, fought back over two decades — aided by volunteers and arms organized by the French bishop Pigneau de Behaine — and unified the whole country in 1802 as Emperor Gia Long. His capital was Hue, whose citadel is now UNESCO World Heritage. The name Viet Nam was adopted in 1804.

## Key developments

Minh Mang centralized the administration and persecuted Christianity, giving France pretexts for attack from 1858. Cochinchina was ceded in 1862 and 1867, and the Hue treaties of 1883–84 made the rest a French protectorate — emperors reigned on without ruling.

## End and transition

The last emperor, Bao Dai, abdicated in August 1945, ending the dynasty and Vietnam's monarchy.