South East Asia 1914 CE

What is happening in South East Asia in 1914CE

Western empire building

The past few decades have seen Western powers virtually sharing out the lands of South East Asia amongst themselves. The British now rule the whole of the Malay peninsula and much of northern Borneo. The Dutch have secured direct control over all the Indonesian islands. Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam are all grouped together within French Indo-China. Only Thailand stands out as the exception: it has lost some border provinces to France and Britain, but otherwise remains intact. Internally, the country is carrying out a comprehensive modernization program.

The Philippines

The Philippines have passed from Spanish to US rule as a result of a short war (1898). Having secured the colony after a widespread revolt, the USA sets about introducing modern democratic institutions, as well as modernizing its economy.

Chinese and Indian immigration

Throughout this period, millions of Chinese continue to settle in the towns of the Malay peninsula and Borneo. At the same time the British bring in thousands of Indians to work on the plantations.

Next map, South East Asia in 1960

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European World Empires