In an effort to expand French colonial influence in Southeast Asia, Commandant Henri Rivière led a small contingent of marine infantry to seize the citadel of Hanoi in Tonkin, Vietnam. This military encounter occurred during a time of escalating tension between French colonial forces and local Vietnamese resistance. The city of Hanoi had strategic importance due to its location and significance as the political center of northern Vietnam. Rivière’s forces, although limited in number, strategically positioned themselves to carry out the assault, capitalizing on a moment when Vietnamese defenses were vulnerable. The confrontation saw fierce fighting, indicative of the ongoing resistance by the Vietnamese against foreign colonization.

Commandant Rivière's successful capture of the citadel marked a pivotal moment in the First Sino-French War context, as it demonstrated the growing assertiveness of French military power in the region. The French aimed to control key areas and pacify local opposition to establish a secure colonial regime. The aftermath of this clash resulted in heightened military engagements and led to a more comprehensive and systematic French colonization of Vietnam, influencing the region for decades to come. The event set the stage for larger conflicts between French colonial forces and Vietnamese nationalists, ultimately fostering a protracted struggle for independence in the 20th century.