Vietnamese rebels vs. the French

During the early 20th century, the French found themselves in conflict with a number of Vietnamese "pirates" such as those depicted above.

At least one collector has amassed a particularly impressive collection of postcoards that had been made chronicling the fight between French marines and their local support troops, and the pirates. Many of the images are very graphic by today's standards, showing beheaded pirates and prisoners, but if you've got the stomach for it, it's an interesting look at a bygone era.

One incident in 1908 when a group of Vietnamese attempted to poison an entire garrison drew a particularly strong response judging from the number of postcards created presumably not only to document the incident but to serve as a warning to others who might consider it. You can see the collection at: http://www.postcardman.net/vietnam_rebels.html