WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The lands of Southeast Asia were perfect for plantation agriculture. The major focus was on sugar cane, coffee, cocoa, rubber, coconuts, bananas, and pine-apple. As these products became more important in the world trade markets, European powers raced each other to claim lands.

Detailed explanation-2: -The first phase of European colonisation of Southeast Asia took place throughout the 16th and 17th centuries. Where new European powers competing to gain monopoly over the spice trade as this trade was very valuable to the Europeans due to high demand for various spices such as pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Detailed explanation-3: -To establish control of an area, Europeans used different techniques. Over time, four forms of colonial control emerged: colony, protec-torate, sphere of influence, and economic imperialism.

Detailed explanation-4: -European nations also grabbed land in Southeast Asia and the islands on the edge of the Pacic Ocean. They wanted the area for its resources and because it was close to China. The United States joined this quest for colonies.

Detailed explanation-5: -Many European nations exhibited a growing interest in colonies as sources of raw materials and new markets and as potential outlets for excess population and for administrators who could not be accommodated at home. Opportunities for individual adventurism and profit also ran high.