10.10 Lecture – Central & Southeast Asia

I. Central Asia A. Central Asia suffered invasions and domination by powerful groups such as the Mongols, Byzantines, Ottomans, and Communist rulers of the Soviet Union. B. Freedoms Brings New Challenges 1. With the collapse of the Soviet Union, 15 new independent nations were created. a. Trans-Caucasian Republics 1. Armenia 2. Azerbaijan 3. Georgia b. Central Asian Republics 1. Uzbekistan 2. Turkmenistan 3. Tajikistan 4. Kazakhstan 5. Kyrgyzstan

2. Economic Struggles a. Poorest countries in the world due to their heavy reliance on the Soviet Union. b. Countries are working to find their own resources to build their country. 1. Example – oil and natural gas 3. Ethnic and Religious a. A lot of ethnic and religious fighting is present within Central Asia. b. Major religions in conflict are Muslim and Armenian Christians. C. Afghanistan and the World 1. A small nation with both mountainous and desert terrain. a. One of the least developed countries in the world. b. Inhabitants are farmers or herders 2. High profile country with two major wars with the Soviet Union and the United States.

3. Struggle for Freedom a. Britain wanted the territory to protect the investment in India. b. Russia wanted it for its access to the Indian Ocean. c Afghanistan gains its independence and sets up a monarchy government. d a more democratic government was established. 1. Failed due to its lack of interest by the people. 4. Push Back the Soviet. a. Remained neutral during the Cold War. b. Fell to Communist rule in 1978 due to the Soviet Control. 1. Went against Islamic beliefs c. Guerilla tactics introduced, mujahideen, and fought for 10 years to rid the country of Communism and Soviet rule. 1. Succeeded, soviet troops withdrew from the country.

5. Rise and Fall of the Taliban a. A rebel group who battled and gained control of the country. 1. By 1998 they controlled 90% of the country b. Followed an extreme interpretation of Islamic law. 1. Women could not hold jobs or go to school 2. Banned TV and modern music 3. Punishments of violation of the law included severe beatings, amputation, and execution. c. Grew into a form of terrorism affecting the world 1. Responsible for creating Osama bin Laden and the attack of 9/ US retaliated and bombed many of Talibian territories. i) They have been driven out of power. 6. Challenges Ahead a. Problem in creating a unified nation due to ethnic groups, distant languages, and cultural patterns. b. Goal is to create a more democratic style of government.

II. Southeast Asian Nations A. European colonies existed in Southeast Asia before WWII. 1. Japan takes over during the war. 2. After war, Southeast Asian did not want to go back to European control. a. Fought for independence 1. New nations emerged B. The Philippines Achieve Independence 1. United States grants the Philippines their independence in Goal of Philippines was the rebuild the economy and to restore the capital of Manila.

3. US promised $620 million in war damages a. But the Philippines had to adopt the Bell Act in order to get the money. 1. Bell Act – established free trade between the US and the Philippines for eight years, to be followed by gradually increasing tariffs. b. US wanted to keep control of military base due to the Cold War and protecting US interest. 1. Kept control of Clark Air Force Base and Subic Bay Naval Base. i) Critical during the Korean and Vietnam wars. ii) Filipinos viewed bases as a form of US imperialism. iii) Bases given back in c. Filipino culture still dependent on US after WWII. 1. Looked to Japan for help; made more contacts with countries in Southeast Asia.

C. From Marcos to Ramos 1. Ferdinand Marcos was leader running an authoritarian regime and stole millions of dollars from the treasury. a. Exiled and thrown out of the country to Hawaii. b. Money was recovered, $475 million, placed in Swiss Banks. 2. New democratic form of government and a ratified constitution. 3. The Government Battles Rebels a. Guerilla group goes against government. 1. Moros – Muslim based religion 2. Filipino troops with the assistance of US military have worked to suppress the group.

D. British Colonies Gain Independence 1. Burma gains independence from Britain in a Burma was officially Myanmar, its name in the Burmese language. 2. Burma Experiences Turmoil a. Trouble with leadership control – democracy or military force? b. Still not a strong country and not democratic 1. More socialist 3. Malaysia and Singapore a. Malaysia became independent from Britain after WWII. b. Singapore – one of the busiest ports in the world 1. Emerged as a banking center as well as a center of trade. 2. High standard of living compared to other Asian nations.

E. Indonesia Gains Independence from the Dutch 1. Dutch originally controlled Indonesia until WWII hit. a. Moved toward Independence after WWII. 2. Sukarno Leads the Independence Movement a. Gained independence in 1949 b. World’s fourth most populous nation 1. 13,600 islands ethnic groups languages 4. Most of the world’s religions 5. Largest Islamic population

3. Instability and Turmoil a. Building a democratic nation was unsuccessful. b. Poor economy and high inflation. c. Little tolerance for religious freedoms d. Bribery and corruption very frequent. 4. East Timor wins Independence a. East Timor desired independence from Indonesia 1. Indonesia fought bloody wars because they did not want to let the country go East Timor celebrated independence.