The West in Southeast Asia

Answer 1

The West wanted to colonize Southeast Asia due to the following reasons:

1. Economical reasons

i. Industrial Revolution

The industrial revolution took place in Europe from the late 18th to 19th centuries; the use of machinery and steam engines for the production of goods and the change from home to factory production sped up the European expansion in the East. The need for raw materials for the manufacture of goods, such as tin and rubber, the need for markets to sell the manufactured goods and the need for new fields for the European businessmen to invest their capital were also reasons of why European countries colonized Southeast Asia.

ii. Spice Trade and Straits Produce

Spice was a much desired commodity in Europe, and many European states desired to control the spice trade.

iii. Importance of China Trade

China had three valuable commodities, silk, porcelain and tea, which were in high demand in Europe. It was also a vast market for Europeans to sell their manufactured goods.

iv. Fear of Foreign Competition

The competition for raw materials and markets in Europe accelerated the colonization in South East Asia

2. Political reasons

i. National Pride and Glory

The Europeans believed that they were bringing glory and prestige to their home countries by acquiring colonies, and many of the European states wanted to prevent newly unified Germany from acquiring more colonies.

ii. To bring order, peace and stability to SEA countries

The chaotic political situation in parts of SEA disrupted European trade, and the European states needed to bring order and stability to enhance production of raw materials so as to increase trade.

3. Social reasons

i. Idealism

The European countries believed that their own culture and practices were superior, and that locals in SEA countries could not rule effectively. Therefore they wanted to help these SEA countries by colonizing them.

ii. Religion and Civilization

Some European powers came to Southeast Asia with the mission of spreading Christianity; for instance Spaniards wanted to obtain a base for religious activities in the Philippines.

Western powers also believed that European culture was superior and that they were bringing 'civilization' to the natives in the places they colonized, and were helping to improve their welfare.