The author situates the messianic movements of the Mekong Delta in the social, economic and political contexts of the colonial period during which they emerged. Beyond their religious and mystical aspects, these sects sought to recreate a social link where the rural society saw its social structure disintegrating and where the peasant patriotic movements they actively supported suffered defeat. It is within this apocalyptical perspective that they were able to develop their guiding principles, such as a return to roots and a cultural and religious syncretism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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