Asian Nationalism (southeast Asia)

• Brunei


  • British protectorate in 1888 until a British resident was granted the power of administration in 1906
  • Significance revived with start of petroleum production in 1929
  • Taken over by Imperial Japanese power during World War II
  • Gained independence on January 1, 1984 and established as an Islamic sultanate
• Cambodia


  • Placed under protectorate status of French colony in 1864
  • Became part of the French Indochina union
  • Cambodian nationalism sparked with leadership of King Norodom Sihanouk
  • Declared independence on November 9, 1953 after French forces retreated
• Indonesia


  • Portugal began establishing alliance with local leaders and strengthening military conquest to rule the land in 1600s
  • Dutch began colonizing the islands in the early 1700s
  • Indonesian nationalism awakened when Dutch Ethical Policy was mandated
  • Announced independence on 17 August 1945 after almost 350 years of Dutch rule
• Philippines


  • Three hundred years of Spanish rule made Filipinos crave for independence
  • First president Emilio Aguinalco waved the flag of the Philippines marking first intention of sovereignty
  • Annexed under the United States, promised to grant full independence
  • Fell under Japanese occupation during World War II, regained control with US forces
  • Attained independence on 4 July, 1948 but celebrates Independence Day on 12th of June
• Timor-Leste (East Timor)


  • Invaded by Portugal in 1520, followed by Spain in 1522
  • Invaded by Indonesia in 1975 after visit from US President and Secretary of State
  • Remained under Indonesian control for 25 years with conflict between guerilla organizations and military
  • Gained independence in 2002 after referendum in 1999