Colonialism in Asia

European Colonialism Europeans first arrived in Southeast Asia in the early 1500’s. Portuguese, Dutch, British, Spanish, and French all came to this area to gain wealth through trade. In the 19 th and 20 th these nations began to colonize this region. Thailand was the only country to remain independent.

FranceBritishDutch Cambodia Laos Vietnam Burma Malaysia Singapore India Indonesia Colonized Countries

The British and US had been very open to allowing these colonies to gain independence and allowed these countries economic and educational opportunities. The Spanish, Dutch, and French often restricted the rights of the people in their colonies. Often they had limited educational opportunities and had corruption within the governments.

French Rule in Vietnam 1858 Napoleon invades Vietnam. The French took rice, coal, gems, and rubber out of Vietnam. Made the Vietnamese pay more for goods than they would have to pay in other countries. Did not give them healthcare or education. Irrigation led to very little land available to farm and most could not afford the land.

British Rule of India For almost 350 years, Britain controlled India Ignored Indian culture Indians were deprived of opportunities to succeed in their own country. Nationalism took place in the 18 th century Indians educated in British schools wondered why they should be westernized

There were many organizations in India that worked together to achieve Independence –Indian National Congress –Important Leaders Surendranath Banerjea – encouraged people to buy Indian – made products and boycott British made goods Mohandas Gandhi – believed in boycott of all things British – Persuaded the National Congress to use nonviolent protest such as boycotting British goods and refusing to pay taxes. Millions of Indians joined in the Nationalist movement.

The Rise of Nationalism Nationalism--organized political movements which had as their goal the restoration of their country's independence. Nationalists movements began as a result of imperialism (The complete control of a weaker nation’s social, economic, and political life by a stronger nation).

In 1919 Ho Chi Minh (went to the Treaty of Versailles) asked that Vietnam be rid of foreign influence. He was ignored. In India the Indian Nationalist Movement headed used non-violence and civil disobedience to escape imperialism.

After WWII During WWII the Japanese managed to push out many Europeans. However, in 1945 Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia had to fight for independence. The Philippines won freedom peacefully unlike the other Southeast Asian nations. India gained their freedom on August 15, 1947

Creating Pakistan On the same day that India was granted independence from Britain. Pakistan was also declared a Muslim nation. Many Hindus and Muslims had fought against each other under British rule and the best decision was to separate the two groups. Muslims in India moved to Pakistan and Hindus in Pakistan moved to India.

After Independence Many nations found themselves in turmoil after gaining freedom from European control. In Vietnam, Myanmar, and Indonesia the military took control of the governments.