Asian Colonialism

Apuntes

Asian Colonialism What was Asia different? Long-standing civilizations and centralized governments, sophisticated economies and established empires → different to Africa: fragmented societies. European expansion in Asia: economic strategic political control Not so territorial. Early European involvement: trade diplomatic negotiations → ruling elites. manipulation of existing power structures, not military conquers. because they encountered well established economic and diplomatic networks. Colonialism in Asia relied heavily on existing economic and political structures that were part of Asia. Many Asian regions had strong resistance due to organized states and military power. Asia and Europe in the past: Center of the world → economically and culturally → networks. Europe was obsessed with reaching Asia. → lucrative trade of spice, silk and other luxuries. Silk Road → Africa, middle east and Europe connected with Asia. China and India accounted for over 50% of global gdp - before the 18th century. Asia was the center of the world and was more industrialized than Europe. Also the population was very large. Focal point in terms of economic advantages. Asian em...