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The French colony of Laos was introduced at the end of the 19th century when this country was under Siam rule. The first French governor general of Laos was Hanoi who had the kingdom of Louangaphrabang under him. Though it was a small step in the beginning France came to occupy a significant part of Laos and enjoyed full authority. This period is a significant part of history of Laos which lasted even seven years after the end of Second World War.
The intrusion of France into the country of Laos was slow and steady. In 1893, a treaty was signed between the government of France and the Siam king that formalized and legalized the occupation of the east bank territory by the French. Laos was divided into two parts Upper and Lower protectorate under French rule in 1895 and from 1899 both the parts had only one ruler. The rights over south east of Asia of both the European countries England and France was finalized by a convention in 1896. Even in 1907 French territory of Dan Sai was returned to the Siam dynasty through a treaty. The French rule in Laos was a mixture of a boon and bane. On one hand internal peace was maintained and tribal revolts could be easily combated with due to the French presence and on the other hand the country did not have any sovereignty. It was only in 1930 that Laos got the official designation of a French Colony. During the Second World War Laos under the French was involved in constant wars. Though there was an attempt in 1945 to get independence from the French rule the final objective was not achieved before 1953.
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