Southeast Asia Colonialism & Development

• Southeast Asian (SEA) history covers colonialism, imperialism, and the subsequent struggles for nationalism and independence.

Colonialism and Imperialism

• Colonialism involves establishing colonies in a foreign territory to exert direct control.
• Imperialism refers to influencing other countries indirectly, often acquiring land through diplomacy.

Key Terms

• Colony: A country or region governed internally by a foreign power.
• Protectorate: A country or state protected by a stronger, larger nation.
• Sphere of Influence: An area where an outside power asserts significant control and influence.
• Concession: Surrendering something to reach an agreement or deal.

Colonizing Countries and Their Territories

• Great Britain colonized Burma (Myanmar) and Malaysia.
• The Netherlands colonized Indonesia.
• France colonized Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam (collectively known as Indochina).
• Spain colonized the Philippines.
• Thailand remained independent, serving as a buffer between French and British interests.

Direct vs. Indirect Colonialism

• Direct Colonialism: Removing all powers from local leaders.
• Indirect Colonialism: Maintaining local leaders with influence and control exerted by the colonizing power.

Colonial Experiences: Specific Countries

The Philippines and Spain

• Spanish colonization lasted 333 years.
• Spain employed direct colonialism.
• The Spanish aimed to spread Christianity.
• Features included: Pluralistic society, monopolies, forced labor, Western education, and "divide and rule" tactics.
• The Philippines was the first Southeast Asian country to achieve independence.

Indonesia and the Dutch/Netherlands

• Dutch colonization lasted 105 years.
• The Dutch sought to dominate Asian trade.
• Direct colonialism was employed.
• Methods included: The Cultivation System, monopolies, trade control, "divide and rule," forced labor, Western education, and the Ethical Policy.
• Indonesians did not widely adopt the Dutch language as the Dutch did not integrate their culture.

Malaysia and the British

• British colonization lasted 90 years.
• Indirect colonialism was used.
• The British engaged in Chinese trade.
• Characteristics included: Pluralistic society, cultivation systems, trade control, "divide and rule," and the Policy of Non-Interference.

Colonial Policies and Definitions

Ethical Policy

• Colonizers assumed responsibility for improving the well-being of the local population through education and other means.

Non-Interference Policy

• Avoiding intervention in certain aspects of a colony's affairs.

Pluralistic Society

• A society that embraces diversity in religion, culture, etc.

Cultivation System

• Forcing farmers to grow crops for export rather than sustenance.

Balance of Power

• Stability between competing forces, preventing any one entity from becoming too dominant.

Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Their Colonizers

Myanmar (Burma)

• Colonized by Great Britain for 124 years using direct colonialism.
• The Burmese responded with protests and rebellions.
• Tactics involved: "Divide and rule," monopolies, and exploitation of resources.

Cambodia

• Colonized by France for 90 years, using direct and dualistic colonialism, becoming a protectorate.
• The French allowed the royal family to retain symbolic power.
• Cambodia, once a large empire, had declined before French colonization.
• Resistance took the form of rebellion.

Vietnam

• Colonized by France for 95 years, with direct French control, also becoming a French protectorate.
• Vietnamese people resisted through revolts, supported by Chinese and Japanese influences.

The Rise of Japanese Imperialism

Sakoku Policy

• Isolationist policy during the Tokugawa period.
• Aims were to preserve Japanese culture and distrust foreigners (particularly regarding religion).
• The Netherlands was an exception as they did not seek to change Japanese culture.

Meiji Restoration Period

• Marked the beginning of modernization and Westernization in Japan, leading to foreign trade.
• Resulted in the Satsuma Rebellion and the end of the samurai class.
• The Japanese viewed foreign influence as improvement unlike the Chinese.
• Emperor Mutsuhito reigned during this period.

Events During the Rise of Japan

First Sino-Japanese War

• Fought over control of Korea.
• Japan defeated China and its Beiyang Fleet.
• Ended with the Treaty of Shimonoseki.

Second Sino-Japanese War

• Started with the Marco Polo Bridge Incident.
• Included the Nanjing Massacre.

Russo-Japanese War

• First time an Asian country defeated a European power in war.
• The Battle of Tsushima was a key victory for Japan.
• Ended with the Treaty of Portsmouth.

Occupation of Manchuria

• Japan established a puppet state called Manchukuo, led by Pu Yi.
• Japan blamed China for a railway explosion, leading to condemnation from the League of Nations, which Japan then left.

Treaty of Kanagawa

• Opened trade between Japan and the United States.

Japan's Relation with Other Countries During WWII

Philippines

• Under Japanese control for 3 years (1942-1945).
• Direct and Dualistic methods were used.
• Policies included: "Divide & Rule", using Mickey Mouse money, and a One-Party system.
• Response: Both peaceful (puppet government under Jose P. Laurel) and violent resistance.

Indonesia

• Under Japanese control for 3 years (1942-1945).
• Direct and Dualistic methods were used.
• Policies included: Forced labor, "Divide & Rule", promoting the Japanese language, and fostering anti-European sentiments.
• Response: Peaceful.

Myanmar

• Under Japanese control for 3 years (1942-1945).
• Direct and Dualistic methods were used.
• Policies included: "Divide & Rule", use of the Kempeitai, and exploitation of natural resources.
• Response: Violent and peaceful resistance.

Vietnam

• Under Japanese control for 4 years (1941-1945).
• Direct and Dualistic methods were used.
• Policies included: "Divide & Rule", a cash crop economy, and a strong military presence.
• Response: Violent resistance.

Nationalism and Independence in SEA

Concepts

• Nationhood: Having status as a separate and independent nation.
• Nationalism: Love and loyalty for one's country.
• Independence: Strengthens and reinforces nationalism.

State vs. Country vs. Nation

• State: Political connotations, defined by citizens, government, territory, and sovereignty.
• Country: Primarily defined by territory.
• Nation: Defined by cultural characteristics.

Nationalism and Independence by Country

Philippines

• Movements: Rehabilitation Act of 1906 and Bell Trade Act.
• Rehabilitation Act of 1906: Enacted to recover the Philippine economy from WW2
• Bell Trade Act: Gave the U.S. access to trade w/ the Philippines w/o any trade fees
• People: Manuel Roxas.

Myanmar (Burma)

• Movements: US aid to independence.
• People: Aung San, U Nu.

Indonesia

• Movements: Indonesian National Revolution, influenced by Sukarno.
• People: Sukarno & Hatta.

Vietnam

• Movements: Communist Resistance against colonizers.
• People: Ho Chi Minh & The Viet Minh.

Political Problems in SEA Countries

• Elite Democracy: Prioritizing the rich and educated in political decisions.
• Checks and Balances: System ensuring equal power among the three government branches.
• Plutocracy: Influence of the wealthy on the government.
• Example: C5 Extension Controversy and Denny Uy Controversy
• Neocolonialism: Indirect control over a country through economic, political, and cultural influence.
• Dictatorship: Government with full control without constitutional limitations.
• Rampant Corruption: Abuse of public office for personal gain.

Economic Problems in SEA Countries

• Income Inequality: Large gap between the rich and poor in income.
• Development of the Agriculture Sector: Slow development impacts the majority of the poor.
• Loss of Industrial Bases: Weak industrial base with limited progress.

Socio-Cultural Problems in SEA Countries

• Loss of Filipino Identity: Inability to represent Filipino identity adequately.
• Loss of programs for ethnic groups: Lack of resources affects ethnic group preservation.
• Emergence of Communist & Moro groups: Driven by inequality and socio-economic issues.

Bandung Conference

• Meeting in Indonesia in 1955 to promote decolonization.
• Initially included Burma, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, with 29 governments from Asia and Africa participating.

Challenges After Bandung Conference

• Involvement in Wars: Shift from World War to Cold War between the US and the Soviet Union.
• Internal Conflict: Communist movements in Cambodia, division of Vietnam, and the Secret War in Laos.
• Foreign Involvement: China's involvement in Myanmar and British bias toward certain ethnic groups.

Global South and North

• North: Colonizers, wealthier and more powerful nations.
• South: Former colonies, poorer and weaker nations.

Timor-Leste

Carnation Revolution

• Symbol of peaceful resistance in Portuguese history, leading to decolonization.

Indonesian Occupation

• Period of conflict with significant problems.

Independence

• Granted in May 2002 after UN intervention (UNTAET).

Explore the impacts of colonialism in Southeast Asia, including spheres of influence, direct vs. indirect rule, and economic exploitation via systems like the Dutch Cultivation System. Also, consider the socio-cultural impacts of colonialism and challenges to development in the agriculture sector.