In 1776; in response to the long years of civil war and harsh government by both the Trinh and Nguy?n Lords; the T鈟 Son Rebellion broke out near Qui Nhon in the south.

Enjoying wide popular support among both the peasant and merchant classes; the three T鈟 Son brothers overthrew the Nguy?n Lords in 1777. The last Nguy?n 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; Nguy?n Hu?; crushed the Chinese and proclaimed himself Emperor Quang Trung. Unfortunately he died unexpectedly in 1792; opening the way for the return of the fugitive Nguy?n Anh. Pictures From Asia David Henley