Western Powers Rule Southeast Asia: Vietnam and Philippines Imperialism in Southeast Asia
Background Since the beginning of the 16th century, Europeans traded along the coasts of Asia and the East Indies. As trade grew, these regions became more and more ideal for European imperialists.
Factors for imperialism Pacific Rim lands Strategic location along sea route to China Sources of tropical agriculture – sugar cane, coffee, cocoa, rubber, coconuts, bananas, pineapple – as well as minerals and oil
Who invaded? Dutch: Chain of Indonesia – Dutch East Indies British: Malay Peninsula (Singapore, Malaysia, Burma) French: Indochina (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia) United States: Pacific Islands (Philippines, Puerto Rico, Guam, Hawaii) (Siam was the only country that remained independent)
Resistance…? In the Philippines, a revolutionary movement occurred and Emilio Aguinaldo declared independence in 1898. However, during the Spanish-American War, the United States conquered the Philippines. This did not stop Aguinaldo, he again declared independence in 1899 but this led to war between the two groups. 5,000 American and 200,000 casualties Emilio Aguinaldo was the revolutionary leader for the Philippines. He resisted the pressure of the United States but his movement was destroyed.
Effects: Positive Cash crops and goods increased the economy Roads, harbors, and rail systems were created Education, health and sanitation improved Unified areas
Effects: Negative Migrants from other parts of Asia came to work on plantations or in mines Cultural and racial makeup of area was altered Racial and religious clashes occurred
What has happened since? When the British encouraged Chinese immigrants to flee to Malaysia, the became the majority of the population. Today, conflict still occurs between the native Malays and the Chinese occupants. Clashes of religion and culture between Muslims, Hindus, Christians and Buddhists still go on today.
Southeast Asia is split up into several different sections, each controlled by a different country.
Overall… The negative effects of imperialism in Southeast Asia are by far greater than the positive effects. The conflicts that still go on today can be accounted for by the imperialists that invaded in the 19th century.