In 1858, France invaded Vietnam, the war lasted until 1884, when France completely defeated the Nguyen Dynasty, establishing a colonial regime in Vietnam. After completing the rule, the French colonialists gradually built a colonial government system that would ensure the highest interests of France in Indochina (Vietnam, Laos and Campodia). In 1897, Paul Doumer went to Vietnam to hold the position of Governor-General of Indochina and established an effective policy of governing in most fields. The policies that Paul Doumer implemented in Vietnam were mainly focused on the economy and society, which in turn led to major changes in Vietnam in the twentieth century. The policies implemented by Paul Doumer in Vietnam have full two aspects of colonialism, that is, economic exploitation with a colonial country, and political repression. However, in an undesirable effect, there have been positive changes for a country with a backward and underdeveloped economy like Vietnam.

This article uses the method of collecting documents in archival centers in Vietnam, surveying and comparing reality to evaluate the achievements and limitations of the policies that Governor-General of Indochina Paul Doumer has implemented in Vietnam. Thereby clarifying more Vietnamese historical content and more fair assessment of historical figure Paul Doumer

The article aims to discuss in assessing the policies of the French colonialists in Vietnam, especially during the period when Paul Doumer was Governor-General of Indochina. The contents of the governing policy set out by Paul Doumer are the important content that the article aims at, from which there is an objective and fair assessment of the achievements and limitations of the policy of the Governor General of Indochina Paul Doumer.