From 1010 until 1802, it was the most important political centre of Vietnam. It was eclipsed by Huế, the imperial capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945), but Hanoi served as the capital of French Indochina from 1902 to 1954.
Đám cưới tại phố Hàng Bạc - Hà Nội 1954
7-1954 Hanoi Streets crowded with people after cease-fire announced.
Events Following Signing Of Agreement At Geneva
French nun watching over children as they play. Hanoi 1954
French soldier preparing to give money to beggars. 10-1954
10-1954 Airport standing deserted shortly before Communist takeover of city from the French
10-1954 Cars and people filling a crowded city street.
10-1954 Crowd listening to a speaker during Communist takeover of Hanoi
10-1954 People riding bicycles past government building shortly before Communist takeover of city from the French
10-1954 People standing at government building shortly before Communist takeover of city from the French Bridge leading into the city shortly before Communist takeover from the French. 10-1954
Communist guerilla troops entering city after turnover of power by the French. 10-1954 Hanoi
French troops (foreground) leaving as Vietminh troops enter the city. 10-1954
French troops preparing to leave the city after ceding territory to Communist Vietminh guerillas. 10-1954
French troops talking with their Communist successors. Hanoi 1954
French troops, evacuating Hanoi, mirrored in a puddle as they pass in final dress review. Ha noi 10-1954
Large group civilian prisoners, mostly women being released from Hanoi
camp, sitting on ground in large, square straw hats. 10-1954
Men changing flags on government building shortly before Communist takeover of city from the French. 10-1954
People eating a meal on a riverbank. 10-1954 
Two children playing under posters displaying Communist leaders. Hanoi 1954
People standing near government building shortly before Communist takeover of city from the French. 10-1954 
People standing on steps of Catholic church. Hanoi 10-1954 
People standing on the side of a city street. 10-1954
Street standing deserted shortly before Communist takeover of city from the French. 10-1954
Vietminh soldier patrolling in front of US consulate. 10-1954 Hanoi
Vietminh soldier standing guard. Hanoi 1954
Vietminh troops celebrating after turnover of power by the French. 10-1954
10-1954 Vietminh Foreign Minister Pham Van Dong
10-1954 Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru (R) during reception with Pham Van Dong. From 1954 to 1976, it was the capital of North Vietnam, and it became the capital of a reunified Vietnam in 1976, after the North's victory in the Vietnam war.
