Vietnam: Emperor Quang Trung (1753 - 1792, aka Nguyen Hue), second emperor of the Tay Son Dynasty reigned from 1788 to his death in 1792

In 1776, in response to the long years of civil war and harsh government by both the Trinh and Nguyễn Lords, the Tây Sơn Rebellion broke out near Qui Nhon in the south.

Enjoying wide popular support among both the peasant and merchant classes, the three Tây Sơn brothers overthrew the Nguyễn Lords in 1777. The last Nguyễn Lord, Nguyen Anh, fled abroad and sought French assistance. Ten years later, in 1787, the Tay Son overthrew the Trinh Lords in Thang Long, provoking a Chinese invasion.

The greatest of the Tay Son brothers, Nguyễn Huệ, crushed the Chinese and proclaimed himself Emperor Quang Trung. Unfortunately he died unexpectedly in 1792, opening the way for the return of the fugitive Nguyễn Anh.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia