6.1: Colonial Rule in Southeast Asia 10.4 Students analyze patterns of global change in the era of New Imperialism in at least two of the following regions or countries: Africa, Southeast Asia, China, India, Latin America and the Philippines.

New Imperialism European societies began to look at Asia and Africa for raw materials and markets that would fuel their industries. Imperialism is the extension of a nation’s power over other lands. Europeans had set up trading posts. New Imperialism was nothing less than direct control over vast territories.

Motives for Imperialism Economics They were looking for markets and raw materials, such as rubber and oil for their industries . Competition Nations competed with each other for power and influence . Colonies were a source of national pride Social Darwinism In the struggle of nations, only the fit are victorious. Racism holds that certain races are superior and that this justifies their use of force against other races or nations. Religious and Humanitarian Europeans had a moral responsibility to civilize primitive people – the “white man’s burden.” They believed that they should bring progress to Asia and Africa.

How was “New Imperialism” different from earlier forms of Imperialism Earlier actions had been limited to trading posts, now it was complete domination of a territory.

Great Britain First colony in Asia was Singapore – major stopping point for traffic going in or out of China. The Next colony was Burma. The British wanted Burma to protect its possessions in India and to gain a land route to China. The British did not find the land route because the terrain was so rugged.

France The French watched as the British moved to Burma. France alarmed by this forced the Vietnamese government in 1857 to accept French protection. Vietnam became a protectorate – a state that depends on another for its protection. In 1880, France extended its control over neighboring Cambodia, Annam, Tonkin, and Laos – this became known as French Indochina.

Thailand As Southeast Asia was falling to colonial powers, Thailand, called Siam, was able to prevent this because of its strong leadership of its kings. Siam started western schools, reformed the legal system, and reorganized the government. The government build railroads, a telegraph system, and ended slavery. France and Britain agreed to maintain Siam as a buffer between both countries.

How was Thailand able to remain free of colonial rule? Strong kings who had forged strong relations with Britain and France, also by modernizing its country, and agreeing to be a buffer zone for the area.

The United States By 1898, the US had acquired the Philippines from the Spanish and made it into an American colony. Two main reasons for this action was to prevent the area from falling in the hands of the Japanese and to have a launch pad to trade with China. Emilio Aguinaldo led the independence movement against the Spanish and the Americans – he was captured and killed.

Colonial Regimes in Southeast Asia Western governments ruled their colonies through direct or indirect rule to exploit their natural resources and expand their markets. Indirect Rule – local rulers were allowed to keep their authority and status to help promote the Western power’s agenda. This system was more convenient and cost less – example: Dutch East India Company paid the aristocrats to maintain order and collect taxes.

Direct Rule – local rulers were removed from power and Colonial officials were put into power – example: Burma officials rebelled against Britain and were eliminated. France ruled Vietnam both indirectly and directly. The North was allowed to keep its kingdom, but the South was ruled directly by France.

How are direct and indirect rule different? Indirect Rule – local rulers were able to maintain some control in their positions of authority Direct Rule – local rulers were removed from power and rulers from the colonial power were put in place to rule the colony.

Colonial Economics Colonial powers did not want colonies to develop their own industries. They kept wages low in order to increase their profits. Colonial governments taxed the peasants to play for the officials and administrators. Some benefits to the colonies included a modern economic system, railroads, highways, and other structures. In some cases small growers were able to share in the profits.

Resistance to Colonial Rule Many people in Southeast Asia were not happy about being ruled by a Western power. First Resistance came from the monarchy in Burma, but a new wave of resistance were the first Asians to be educated in western-style schools. Many spoke western languages, however, the movement was not towards nationhood, but rather to defend economic and religious interests.