Southeast Asia
Countries of Southeast Asia: Brunei Cambodia Indonesia Laos Malaysia Burma (Myanmar) The Philippines Singapore Thailand Vietnam
A long history of diversity Influenced by China and India. Hinduism and Buddhism spread from India. SE Asia kept some of its own traditions Equal roles for women.
Thailand
Vietnam
Burma
Philippines
States were organized as rings of power around a central court called a mandala. The Khmer Empire was a powerful empire from the 9th-15th century. Mandalas made alliances and trade arrangements to survive.
Colonialism and Aftermath Trade networks brought Arabian and Indian merchants who spread Islam. 1509 Europeans arrived. At first the goal of Europeans was to obtain wealth, not set up colonies.
As the region’s wealth flowed to Europe, local control declined. By the 20th century all of SE Asia was colonized except Thailand. Colonialism set up bureaucratic governments (non elected officials) with set regulations. Colonialism when a stronger country controls a weaker country.
Rubber, sugar, rice, tea, and coffee. Europeans forced the colonies to produce commodities that would help Europe’s economy. Rubber, sugar, rice, tea, and coffee. Colonialism sparked nationalism by uniting groups against the Europeans. Nationalism devotion and loyalty to one’s nation or culture group.
SE Asians gained Western education and learned about self-rule. Independence promoted “Asia for Asians.” Japan occupied SE Asia during WWII Gave leadership roles to SE Asians.
After WWII, SE Asians leaders sought independence. Indochina, a French colony of Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, suffered for decades. Vietnamese defeated the French in 1954, gaining independence for South Vietnam and North Vietnam.
Economy Agriculture is the major basis for income. Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) promotes economic growth and peace in the region.
Culture Buddhism, Catholicism, Islam, Hinduism and traditional local beliefs influence the region. Most SE Asians live in rural villages and follow traditional ways, but some are changing due to urbanization. Cities face a shortage of housing for migrants creating slums and unsafe living conditions.
Indonesia
Malaysia
Laos