Malaysian History: Nationalism in South-East Asia Quiz

Answer: To occupy, annex and rule other countries

Imperialism involves a country expanding its territory and influence by colonizing or occupying other nations for its own benefit. Ancient imperialism began during the Greek and Roman times. Modern imperialism began when European empires began moving out to sea to find new land in Africa, the Americas and Asia.

Answer: Portugal

Portugal was known for being one of the first countries to begin exploring the world from the 1460s onwards. In 1511, Portugal occupied Melaka after an easy victory against the Sultanate of Melaka.

Other major imperial countries include Spain, Britain, France, Russia, the Netherlands and later the United States.

Answer: It provided a shortcut for trade ships to reach Asia and the Pacific from Europe

The Suez Canal was built by the French (using Egyptian labourers), and was originally opposed by Britain. However, in 1876 (seven years after the Canal opened), the Khedive (ruler) of Egypt had to sell all his shares in the Canal company to pay off debts, and his shares were immediately bought by the British government. (This didn't give Britain complete control over the Canal, but from 1882 on they stationed troops in Egypt and the country came under indirect British rule as a protectorate, with the Khedive still in control of internal affairs).

Answer: Spreading civilization (and Christianity) by white imperial powers in Africa and Asia

The phrase 'White Man's Burden' is the title of a poem written by Rudyard Kipling in 1898-99. (It encouraged the Americans to colonize the Philippines). The phrase is generally taken to mean a duty on the part of Europeans and Americans to spread civilization and Christianity in Africa and Asia.

France used a different slogan, "The Duty to Spread Civilization", which played a similar role.

Answer: Monarchy

Before the Western colonial powers arrived in Asia, countries were ruled by kings and sultans. An example includes the Sultanate of Melaka.

Answer: Bureaucracy

A system of government in which most of the important decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives. The main features include:

- Establishment of the central government consolidated revenue territories in the colony
- Appointment of the Governor General as chief administrator in the colony
- Administration by department
- Introduction of Western law

Answer: Encomienda

An 'Encomienda' was a system to regulate labor from the natives of the Philippines and other occupied areas. The 'Encomiendero' (do not be confused by the names) is the person who heads the system. His duty is to keep the peace, to collect taxes and to Christianize the country.

Answer: The Konbaung Dynasty

The Konbaung Dynasty ruled Burma from 1752 to 1885. The king served as a condescendent of the monks of Burma. It was only after the Burmese defeat in the Third Anglo-Burmese War that ended the dynasty.

Answer: The Union Indochinoise

The Union Indochinoise was formed in 1887 and merged Vietnam and Cambodia into French Indochina. Laos was added later in 1904.

Answer: Penang Island

The Strait Settlements were established in 1826. These states were occupied by the British East India Company and were handed to direct British control in 1867. The Settlements were dissolved in 1946 after the British went to recover lost ground after the Japanese occupation.

Answer: Thailand

Thailand was the name of Siam after the Siamese Revolution of 1932 that changed the ruling system from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. This new system had seen the decline of the influence of the traditional kingdom and the institution of the monarchy.

Answer: A feeling of dignity for a nation by its people to free it from occupation

Nationalism in countries under colonial rule involved people becoming determined to win independence from their Western occupiers. Nationalism came in two stages:

The first stage focused on such issues as culture, religion and rights of the locals. The goal for independence was not immediate. This stage wasn't so successful.

The second stage was aimed at independence. This second stage was also more radical and more organized. It was fought for solving issues of ill-treatment, harassment of the civilians and the desire for self-government.

(In a purely European context, in countries not under colonial or quasi-colonial rule, nationalism has a range of different meanings).

Answer: Jose Rizal

Dr. Jose Rizal was a Filipino nationalist who fought for the equal rights of the Filipino population. After he formed the league, he was arrested by the Spanish and was exiled to Dapitan, where he was executed for involvement in a rebellion.

Answer: He was arrested

After launching a revolution against the Americans in 1901, Aguinaldo was arrested and the revolution failed. He died in 1964. After his capture, minor political parties were finally allowed for the locals.

Answer: Penulisan Seorang Puteri Jawa

Raden Adjeng Kartini wrote "Penulisan Seorang Puteri Jawa" to expose the harsh setbacks upon the locals and ill-treatment by the Dutch. This was a prime source of inspiration for the locals and led to the formation of well-arranged organizations. One example was "Muhammadiyah" to spread Islam throughout the East Indies and to prevent Christianity.

Answer: A nationalist movement

The VNQDD was a nationalist political party that fought for the independence of Vietnam, under the leadership of Nquyen Thai Hoc. They assassinated French officials and Vietnamese collaborators across Vietnam. After the Yen Bai mutiny in 1930, their grip in Vietnam was weakened by the French.

At the end, Nguyen Thai Hoc was executed, and Ho Chi Minh, leader of the Indochinese Communist Party, fled to Hong Kong. Later he returned and headed the Viet Minh, which became the Vietcong.

Answer: The issue of wearing shoes into the temples

The Buddhist Youth Association was established in 1906 to strengthen Buddhist traditions and to improve education. To spread nationalism, they used the issue on when British colonists wore shoes into their temples, when you're not supposed to, according to tradition.

Answer: A nationalist group in Burma

The Thakins were a nationalist group formed of young university students. The group was formerly known as the Dobama Asiayone Party. They fought for the independence of Burma from the British.

Answer: Aung San

If you were thinking of Aung San Suu Kyi, then you are wrong. The Aung San above was her father.

General Aung San was one of the leaders of Burmese nationalism. He led the Burmese nationalists in the struggle for independence. He later established the Anti-Fascist People's Freedom League to combat the Japanese during World War II. He won the elections for Prime Minister in 1947, but was assassinated six months before independence was given by the British.

Answer: Removal of Chinese schools and articles

Chinese schools and articles were removed by Thai officials as part of the law to restrict Chinese freedom and economic control, because of intolerance towards the West and the Chinese for allegedly taking over the economy.