Reaction Paper: Tracing the emergence expansionism and imperialism reactions of Asians in

the colonization of the region.

Imperialism in Asia refers to the expansion of European powers into Asia during the 19 th and
early 20th centuries. This expansion was motivated by a number of factors, including the desire
for economic resources, strategic control, and prestige.
The first major wave of European imperialism in Asia began in the 16 th century, when Portugal
and Spain established colonies in the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia. The Dutch, French, and
British soon followed, and by the end of the 18th century, most of Asia was under European
control.
The second wave of European imperialism in Asia began in the mid-19 th century. This wave was
driven by the Industrial Revolution, which gave European powers a significant economic
advantage over Asian countries. European powers also sought to expand their empires in order
to secure access to raw materials and markets.
By the end of the 19th century, most of Asia was under European control. The only major
exceptions were Japan and China, which were able to resist European imperialism for a time.
However, both countries eventually succumbed to European pressure and became imperial
powers themselves.
European imperialism in Asia had a profound impact on the region. It led to the exploitation of
Asian resources, the disruption of traditional economies and societies, and the imposition of
European values and institutions. It also led to the rise of nationalism and anti-colonial
movements, which eventually led to the decolonization of Asia in the 20th century.

The following are some of the major impacts of European imperialism in Asia:

 Economic exploitation: European powers extracted vast amounts of resources

from their Asian colonies, including rubber, tin, oil, and coal. This exploitation led
to the impoverishment of many Asian countries and the enrichment of European
empires.
 Social disruption: European imperialism disrupted traditional Asian economies
and societies. The introduction of Western technology and ideas led to the
decline of traditional crafts and industries. The forced labor of millions of Asians
to build railroads, mines, and other infrastructure also disrupted traditional ways
of life.
 Cultural change: European imperialism led to the imposition of Western values
and institutions on Asian countries. This led to the decline of traditional Asian
cultures and the rise of new, Western-influenced cultures.
 Rise of nationalism: European imperialism also led to the rise of nationalism in
Asia. Many Asians resented the foreign domination of their countries and began
to demand independence. This led to the outbreak of numerous anti-colonial
movements, which eventually led to the decolonization of Asia in the 20th
century.
The legacy of European imperialism in Asia is complex and multifaceted. It has had both
positive and negative impacts on the region. On the one hand, European imperialism
led to the introduction of Western technology, ideas, and institutions to Asia. This has
helped to modernize many Asian countries and improve the lives of their citizens. On
the other hand, European imperialism also led to the exploitation of Asian resources, the
disruption of traditional economies and societies, and the imposition of Western values
and institutions. This has had a lasting impact on the region, and its effects are still
being felt today.
 SSE 112:
REACTION
PAPER

Submitted by: Heart Dimple D. Castillo

BSED II-B
Submitted to: Ms. Farhiya Sarahadil
SSE 112 Course Coach