Late 1700s-Early 1800s: Western nations, most notably France, escalate their efforts to colonize Vietnam. During the Tay-Son Rebellion, Nguyen Anh (Gia Long) enlists the help of French soldiers to reclaim his family's throne. However, when his successor, Minh Mang, expels the French from Vietnam, the relation between the two countries changes.

Today: In 2000, President Clinton makes a historic visit to the southeast Asian country of Vietnam, where he advocates stronger relations between the two countries. Clinton is the first American president to visit Vietnam since the end of the Vietnam War.

Late 1700s-Early 1800s: Vietnamese citizens subscribe to many different religions, including Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity. However, Confucianist leaders often regulate the other religious groups to prevent them from undermining or opposing the Confucian government.

Today: Although Vietnam is often identified with Buddhism and Confucianism, it still maintains an impressive diversity of religions. Communist...