Nguyễn Anh crowned Emperor Gia Long at Huế

Background. The House of Nguyễn Phúc established control over Southern Vietnam as the Nguyễn lords before defeating the Tây Sơn dynasty. Nguyễn Phúc Ánh, born in 1762, was the founding emperor of the Nguyễn dynasty, the last dynasty of Vietnam. He began his northward march in 1789 to defeat the Tây Sơn, reaching the Qing border by 1802. The dynastic rule began with his ascent to the throne in 1802.

Coronation. Nguyễn Ánh recaptured Phú Xuân in 1801, which became the capital of Vietnam under the Nguyễn dynasty from 1802. He celebrated his coronation at Huế on 1 June 1802, proclaiming himself emperor with the era name Gia Long. This event marked the formal establishment of the Nguyễn dynasty, which ruled unified Vietnam independently from 1802 until the start of the French protectorate in 1883.

Immediate Aftermath. Following the coronation, Gia Long quickly overran the north, capturing Hanoi in July 1802, which ended the Tây Sơn dynasty; sources differ on the exact day, giving 20 or 22 July 1802. He executed the captured Tây Sơn leadership in August 1802, retaliating for the execution of his family in the 1770s. The dynasty also established administrative structures, including the National Academy at Huế in 1803.