The French naval bombardment of Hai Phong marked a critical escalation in the conflict between French colonial forces and Vietnamese nationalists seeking independence. On this day, the French launched a lethal bombardment of the port city as part of their campaign to regain control after Japan’s withdrawal post-World War II. Over 1,000 artillery shells were fired, targeting both military and civilian areas, leading to massive destruction and civilian casualties. This incident is often cited as a significant turning point in the struggle for Vietnam's independence.

The bombardment came in the context of rising tensions as Vietnamese nationalists, including the Viet Minh led by Ho Chi Minh, began to demand full independence from colonial rule. The French government's decision to resort to such drastic military action reflects their commitment to maintaining colonial dominance in the face of growing anti-imperialist sentiments. Hai Phong, being a vital port city, was not only a strategic military target but also a bustling center of trade and commerce.

In the aftermath, the bombardment intensified Vietnam's struggles for independence and raised awareness of the French colonial presence in Indochina, drawing both domestic and international criticism. The event also heightened the resolve of Vietnamese nationalists, ultimately contributing to increased uprisings and a protracted conflict, culminating in the First Indochina War.