Some regulations of the Nguyen Dynasties on the use of gunpower weapons, 1802 - 1883

Abstract

From 1802 to 1883, Nguyen emperors were well aware of the effectiveness and importance of firearms for stabilizing the internal situation, especially against western invasion plots. Apart from promoting the production of these weapons, the dynasty also sought to manage the use of firearms effectively. From the records of the two significant histories of the Nguyen Dynasty, Dai Nam Thuc Luc and Kham Dinh Dai Nam Hoi Dien Su Le, researchers can learn that the Nguyen Dynasty created a "legal framework" to manage the use of firearms through a wide range of regulations including gun salute for ships entering or leaving seaports, setting cannons at fortresses, distributing gunpowder for weapons, and regular exercise of firearms. This paper initially studies some regulations of the Nguyen Dynasty on the use of firearms between 1802 and 1883.