Why did the Yuan Dynasty fail to conquer Vietnam but the Ming Dynasty succeeded in conquering Vietnam? Yuan and Ming attempts to conquer Vietnam can be attributed to various factors including military strategies, internal dynamics within Vietnam, and the strength of the respective Chinese dynasties.
During the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), under the Mongol rule, attempts to conquer Vietnam faced significant challenges. Vietnam, at that time, was under the control of the Trần Dynasty, which employed guerrilla warfare tactics and utilized its mountainous terrain to its advantage. The Trần Dynasty’s military strategies, combined with the resistance of the Vietnamese people, made it difficult for the Yuan forces to establish control over the region.
Additionally, the Yuan Dynasty faced internal struggles, including rebellions and administrative issues, which diverted resources and attention away from conquest efforts.
In contrast, the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) succeeded in conquering Vietnam during the Ming–Hồ War (1406–1407) and later campaigns. The Ming Dynasty, under the leadership of Emperor Yongle, launched military expeditions against Vietnam with a well-organized and disciplined army.
The Ming forces effectively utilized naval power and overwhelming military might to overcome Vietnamese resistance. Additionally, internal strife within Vietnam, particularly the division between the ruling Hồ Dynasty and factions opposed to it, weakened Vietnamese defenses and facilitated Ming conquest.
Furthermore, the Ming Dynasty’s centralized governance and stability provided the resources and cohesion necessary for successful military campaigns, unlike the Yuan Dynasty, which was plagued by internal discord and administrative challenges.
In summary, while both the Yuan and Ming Dynasties attempted to conquer Vietnam, the Ming Dynasty’s success can be attributed to its effective military strategies, centralized governance, and the internal weaknesses of Vietnam at that time, whereas the Yuan Dynasty faced significant challenges and ultimately failed to subdue the region.
