Filipino writer and patriot José Rizal is executed by Spanish colonial authorities in Manila, galvanising the Philippine Revolution.
Phan Đình Phùng, leader of the Hương Khê uprising, dies, marking the end of the Cần Vương movement.
The United States defeats Spain, gaining Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines, while Cuba is freed from Spanish rule.
Emilio Aguinaldo proclaims the independence of the Philippines from Spain at Kawit, Cavite.
After Spain cedes the Philippines to the United States, forces of the Philippine Republic fight American rule but are defeated.
Nguyễn Sinh Cung, later known as Hồ Chí Minh, is born in Nghệ An province.
France creates the Indochinese Union of Cochinchina, Annam, Tonkin and Cambodia; Laos is added in 1893.