INDEPENDENCE IN ASIA

Decolonization in South East Asia Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia.

Vietnam Part of the French IndoChina Japan invades Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh – educated on West where he was introduced to communism. – in 1941 organizes the Viet Minh (League for the Independence of Vietnam) to fight French and Japanese. – “The Vietnam War” = Proxy war between United States and Soviets/China. – July 2, Vietnam is unified as a communist country, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

The Philippines Part of the Spanish Empire. Philippine Revolution (1896–1898) – First Philippine Republic, BUT Spain refuses to recognize them. – Philippines given to the United States after the Spanish- American war. Japan invades during WWII Japan surrenders to the Allies. On July 4, 1946, the Philippines independent of U.S, Republic of the Philippines….Constitutional Republic.

Malaysia Ruled by Britain since 18 th century. In 1948 becomes “Federation of Malaya,” (British protectorate) Malayan Emergency ( ) – British defeat the Malayan Communist Party. Tunku Adbul Rahman negotiates independence on August 31, 1957 in London, England. Government modeled after British Parliament. – King and Prime Minister. – Islam is state religion.

Decolonization in East Asia Korea

Korea…. “For the first time in several thousand years, we have suffered the agony of alien suppression for a decade, becoming a victim of the policies of aggression and coercion, which are relics from a bygone era. How long have we been deprived of our right to exist? How long has our spiritual development been hampered? How long have the opportunities to contribute our creative vitality to the development of world culture been denied us?” Declaration of Independence 1919.

Korea during WWII Japan occupies Korea. There is already a strong Russian influence. – Korea has a communist party and a socialist party. USA, Britain and China all pledge to help Korea become independent. Korea is liberated when Japan surrenders.

Korea Divided North of the 38 th parallel occupied by Soviet Army. South of the 38 th parallel occupied by American Army. Was intended to be temporary until Korean government officials were elected.

KOREAN WAR North Korean Leader, Kim II Sung wants to unite Korea by force. Sung sends tanks south of the 38 th parallel. President Truman backs Syngman Rhee and sends in troops June 27, “the U.S would take whatever steps are necessary to meet the military situation, weapons included.”

PROXY WAR…..

“KOREAN WAR” The north “loses”. Korea still divided. De-militarized Zone (yet most heavily guarded border in the world.) 1 million Vietnamese died. – 58,000 American troops died. South Korea becomes one of the most successful new nations in Asia.

How it all ends…. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) – Communism The Republic of Korea. – Democracy / Capitalism

EAST ASIAN TIGERS Hong Kong and Singapore – Huge financial centers South Korea and Taiwan. – hubs of global manufacturing in automobile/electronic components and information technology Serve as role models to developing countries.

Common characteristics: – HUGE government investment in education (elementary, secondary, college). – relatively authoritarian governments during the early years of development, – economic focus on exports to highly-industrialized nations. – High savings rates.