The Nguy?n Dynasty was the last ruling family of Vietnam. Their rule lasted a total of 143 years. It began in 1802 when Emperor Gia Long ascended the throne after defeating the T鈟 Son Dynasty and ended in 1945 when B?o ?i abdicated the throne and transferred power to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. During the reign of Emperor Gia Long; the nation officially became known as Vi?t Nam; but from the reign of emperor Minh M?ng on; the nation was renamed ?i Nam or 'Great South'. Their rule was marked by the increasing influence of French colonialism; the nation was eventually partitioned into three; Cochinchina became a French colony while Annam and Tonkin became protectorates which were independent in name only.