Southeast Asia was perfect for plantation agriculture. As sugar cane, coffee, cocoa, rubber, coconuts, bananas, and pineapple became more important in the world market, the more eager European powers were to claim land.
Because that's what the KJV prophesy told they would do! They call themselves Christians, however their fruit tells a different story!
Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia that was never colonized by a European power. It maintained its independence by skillfully negotiating with colonial powers and playing them off against each other.
The limited influence of Europeans in Southeast Asia can be attributed to several factors, including the region's established trade networks and strong local kingdoms that resisted colonization. Additionally, geographical challenges and the diversity of cultures and languages made it difficult for European powers to exert control. Local resistance, as seen in various uprisings, and the strategic focus of European nations on other regions, such as India and the Americas, also played a role in curtailing their influence. Ultimately, while European powers did establish some footholds, they faced significant challenges in fully dominating the diverse and resilient societies of Southeast Asia.
The British, and many other European super-powers.
To protect Mexico from other European powers.
The Spanish established outposts in the Southeast to protect their interests in the region, facilitate trade with Native American groups, spread Christianity, and expand their territory. These outposts also served as a way for the Spanish to exert control over the area and prevent other European powers from gaining a foothold.
Europeans wanted southeast Asian countries because of their location along the sea route to China. Europeans also recognized the value of the Pacific colonies as sources of tropical agriculture, minerals, and oil. Also, the Europeans knew that Southeast Asia held a rapidly growing spice trade which earned significant money. Europe also wanted technology, and control of other countries.
Southeast Asia resisted European demands through a combination of strategic diplomacy, military resistance, and the maintenance of local governance structures. Many local leaders forged alliances with European powers to play them against one another, while others engaged in armed resistance, as seen in the cases of the Acehnese and the Burmese. Additionally, the region's diverse cultures and strong sense of identity fostered resilience against colonial encroachments. Ultimately, the complexities of local politics and societal structures allowed Southeast Asian nations to navigate European pressures more effectively than many other regions.
The European powers wanted control of the vast natural resources of Africa. To be in actual control of the government was not a motivating factor but this was needed in order for one European country to keep other European countries out.
Lexington and concord
Southeast Asia had abundant natural resources, including valuable spices like cloves, nutmeg, and pepper, which were highly sought after in Europe for their use in cooking, preservation, and medicine. The region also offered precious metals, textiles, and other exotic goods that captured European interest. Additionally, its strategic trade routes facilitated access to markets in Asia, making it an attractive area for European powers looking to expand their economic influence and establish trade networks.