Like most European societies of the mid to late 1800s, French people believe that it was Europe's destiny to rule the world. After all, it was Europe, which colonised the Americas, it was Europe, which brought peace to the savages of Africa, and it would be Europe that would convert the heathens of Asia to European standards. Of course, like in America, Africa, and Asia, it was never about the people of these lands, it was always about power, wealth, or prestige. With the British controlling a large portion of Africa, along with British Raj, and Australia, and with the Netherlands controlling most of the spice islands, France knew it had to act quickly. With few options left, France attacked, and eventually took over Vietnam. Following the British, and Dutch before them, the acted with brutality towards the local population, whom they saw as a resource, not as humans. When you give people the choice of being virtual slaves, or having their own choice of customs, and their government, democratic or not. Every group of people will always chose the latter.
