Ultimately, I think we have a moral question when we look at European colonialism in SE Asia. I do not know how I can answer the question, "by what right did the European powers impose their will on SE Asia?", with any other answer than, "they had no right."
The SE Asians did not need the Europeans. I do not see how we can look at the Europeans as anything but exploitative interlopers. They exploited economic resources, imposed their religious ideologies, meddled in political affairs, and worked to undermine cultures that had existed for thousands of years.
The formation of traditional nation-states and heavy-handed meddling by European powers were major contributing factors in the formation of hard-line communist regimes in the region. The "modern" communist approach to rebellion and revolution proved very successful around the world in toppling unwanted governments and evicting uninvited colonial "guests". Communism is very appealing to oppressed "peasants", especially during times of economic hardship. The events that led to the communist rebellion in Vietnam are textbook examples of the power of organized communists to erode and destabilize the control of a colonial power. Had the Europeans not been so heavy-handed in their approach, the SE Asians might not have taken the drastic approach of turning to communist-style revolution.
Whatever positive change brought about in SE Asia by the colonial powers is overshadowed by the egregious behavior of the European powers in their blatant economic exploitation and apparent disdain for any culture other than their own.
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I agree with yor comments here. Many Europeans came for the econmic wealth that colonialsim would bring them while others came to 'civilize' the local populations (remember the British and the Indians)so they came with a purpose and they thought that they were actually helping. Control of a territory takes time. As time progressed, controlo took over with progressive more force. I agree that the benefitted Europeans in many ways, mostly economic. Ideas came with them; nationalism followed. The ideas of Marxism spread to local outlying villages as it gave them reason why they were being opressed and why to fight for their rights.
ReplyDeleteKevin, I see your points but it was inevitable due to Darwinism. How could a region rich in natural resources, and incredibly vital ports stay unscathed? The Europeans also provided a window to the world for Southeast Asia. There are plenty of pristine spots in the region retained by the indigenous. We need to realize that the Chinese may have devoured much more of the region had not the Europeans which could have easily changed the complexion of our globe, culturally.
ReplyDeleteTo what degree do we see some SE Asian elites cultivating a relationship with the Europeans to suit their own ends? Some might call these people collaborators in the colonial enterprise.
ReplyDeleteAll too often we look at the Europeans as the bad guys and the SE Asians as the oppressed - but, what about these shades of gray? Those people who benefited from the European pesence?