Philippine Independence Movement

• Several Southeast Asian countries sought independence from colonial powers through various movements and organizations.

Philippines

• Two groups were formed to achieve equality between foreigners and locals, as well as greater rights for locals, one using ink and pen, and the other blades and bullets.
• La Solidaridad, La Liga Filipina, and KKK (Kataastaasan, Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan) were organizations that paved the way for Philippine independence.
• The first waving of the Philippine flag occurred on the balcony of Aguinaldo’s house in Cavite.
• Independence was declared on June 12, 1898.
• Aguinaldo established the Republic of the Philippines immediately after liberation from Spain.
• The Malolos Congress was held in Bulacan, resulting in the formation of the first Constitution.
• Western culture, particularly religion, was embraced and became part of the Philippine identity.
• Direct conquest was used as a colonial method.
• A recidencia policy was established for governors-general and the supreme court (royal audiencia).
• The encomienda system, reduction, and forced labor were implemented.

Indonesia

• Various sectors formed groups aimed at achieving independence from colonization.
• Budi Utomo led the promotion of Javanese culture among students and provided free civil services.
• Sarekat Islam advocated Islamic teachings and awakened Indonesians to domestic irregularities.
• Sukarno contributed to independence and collaborated with the Japanese against the Dutch.
• Indonesia's independence was declared on August 18, 1945.
• The 1945 Constitution was followed by the 1950 Constitution, which led to the declaration of Martial Law.
• Two coups occurred due to political challenges of ideologies and religions.
• Direct conquest occurred, particularly on the island of Java.
• The cultuurstelsel, or forced cultivation system, was implemented, requiring Indonesian farmers to allocate land and labor for cash crops for the Dutch.

Malaysia

• Communists and nationalists united under a common goal: independence from Britain.
• These efforts resulted in gaining a voice in their country.
• The Strait Settlements were established, and some territories became protectorates.
• Independence was achieved through the London Agreement on February 8, 1956.
• Malaysia joined the UN and officially changed their name on September 16, 1963.
• Singapore became a separate nation in 1965 due to differences in governance.
• Singapore was initially a territory of Portugal but was seized by the Dutch.
• A treaty was signed allowing the Dutch to permit the English to conquer Malaysia and Singapore.
• Other territories were made protectorates of Britain.

Cambodia

• Cambodia became a protectorate of France.
• Wealthy Khmers were treated well.
• The French government collected taxes used for infrastructure development.
• There was a focus on rubber and corn cultivation due to high global demand.
• In the 1940s, communist movements emerged under Vietnamese ideologies.
• Cambodian communism was fueled by wars in the country and surrounding regions.
• France agreed to internal autonomy for Cambodia.
• Independence was gained on November 9, 1953, after France's departure.
• Independence was officially recognized on December 29, 1954, during the Geneva agreements.
• Several governments existed to adapt to the changes of independence.
• Under King Norodom Sihanouk, the government maintained neutrality for state peace.
• The brief rule of Lon Nol saw the growth of the Khmer Rouge.
• Millions died under Pol Pot's communist regime, which resulted in a war with Vietnam.

Myanmar

• Extensive areas were utilized for agriculture, benefitting trade.
• Rice plantations were established to meet international rice demands.
• Aung San returned to Myanmar and accepted Japanese training for BIA setup.
• The BIA later became BNA after alliances with the British due to Japanese oppression.
• Aung San is regarded as the Father of Myanmar's Independence.
• Aung San negotiated with Prime Minister Clement for national independence on February 27, 1947.
• Aung San's AFPFL won the 1947 elections for constitutional change.
• Full independence was achieved on January 4, 1948, after the enactment of the Burma Independence Act on December 10, 1947.
• Major challenges arose due to religious, ethnic, and political diversity among citizens.
• Significant divisions arose between different groups due to government actions.

Vietnam

• Vietnam became a protectorate of France.
• Main products included sweet potatoes, rice, bananas, and coconuts.
• Ho Chi Minh participated in communist groups against French rule.
• The Viet Minh was founded to advocate for independence from France, initially seeking it from France and then opposing Japan during World War II.
• The Viet Minh allied with former colonizers against oppressive Japanese forces.
• Temporary freedom was gained after Japan's surrender in WWII.
• France's occupation ended, though they later returned after collaboration with Japan in 1940.
• Vietnam was divided by the Geneva Agreement along the 17th parallel into North and South Vietnam.
• The Vietnam War occurred between the two regions, with the Soviet Union supporting North Vietnam and the United States supporting South Vietnam.