1. Southeast Asian Nations Gain Independence 34.2

2. Outline Japan proved after WWI that it dominated Asia
This idea made many Asian nations realize that the Europeans were not invincible
So many considered independence

3. Philippines The US granted them independence in 1946
They wanted to first rebuild their economy
The US promised them $620 million if they signed the Bell Act – a treaty that would establish free trade between the US and the Philippines for 8 years
The US also wanted to keep a military presence there
The US signed a 99 year lease on a military base

4. Burma Gained independence in 1948
In 1989 it changed its name to Myanmar
Following independence, Burma had trouble establishing a solid government
In 1962, it was to be set up as a socialist state
But in 1988, their leader stepped down and it returned to a military state
Aung San Suu Kyi came forward and began pressing for democracy…

5. She was placed under house arrest for it
During the 1990 election, her party won 80% of the seats in the house
The military govt refused to recognize the new govt
She was again placed on house arrest until 2003…