For centuries, the major poweres of the West were seduced by the
allure of the countries of ‘the Far East’. Spices, textiles, silk
and tea were the staples of East- West trade. But competition
between Western traders eventually caused military intervention in
Asian affairs and the establishment of colonial empires. These
actions have shapred the history of mankind and left a legacy that
still reverberates throughout Asia.
Western Power in Asia is a unique contribution to the
understanding of present- day Asia. Essential reading for anyone
interested in world history, Arthur Cotterell offers fascinating
insights into five hundred extraordinary years of power and
influence by the West, which disappeared spectacularly after the
Second World War. The author’s ability to tell both sides of the
story, with the aid of contemporary illustrations as well as
quotations, makes this book a tremendous resource for students of
Asian history. And because the entire colonial experience is
covered for the first time within a single volume, Western Power
in Asia also provides the general reader with an unusual and
invaluable perspective on East- West relations.
As countries such as China and India become key players on the
world stage, Western Power in Asia provides a timely
reminder of the path that led to their present positions, while
allowing a poignant opportunity to reflect on how they might in
future treat their Western trading partners.
Daftar Isi
Preface ix
Introduction xi
Photo Credits xix
PART 1: THE SLOW RISE OF WESTERN IMPERIALISM 1
Chapter 1: Iberian Expansion Overseas, 1415-1647
3
Portuguese and Chinese Maritime Exploration Compared — The
Sea Route to India Discovered — The Formation of the
Portuguese Empire — Mixed Portuguese Success in Southeast
Asia — China and Japan.
Chapter 2: The Struggle for Supremacy, 1647-1815
53
Early Dutch Power — New Rivals: the French and the English
— The Battle for India — Britain’s Triumph
— A Chinese Rebuff.
Chapter 3: Imperial Heyday, 1815-1905 107
The Opium Wars — The Indian Mutiny — France’s
Colonial Revival — The American Colony of the Philippines
— The Russo-Japanese War.
PART 2: AN ASIAN CHALLENGE 159
Chapter 4: The Advent of Imperial Japan, 1868-1941
161
The Meiji Restoration — A New Balance of Power —
Revolution in China — Colonial Unrest — The
Sino-Japanese War.
Chapter 5: The Collapse of Western Power, 1941-45
215
The Outbreak of the Pacifi c War — Catastrophe in
Southeast Asia — Japan’s New Order in Asia — The Fall
of the Japanese Empire — The Surrender of Japan
PART 3: WESTERN DECOLONISATION 267
Chapter 6: The Beginnings of Withdrawal, 1945-50
269
The Post-War Settlement — The End of the Indian Empire
— Dutch Failure in Indonesia — The Communist Triumph in
China — The Occupation of Japan
Chapter 7: Cold War Complications, 1950-99 321
US Intervention — Independence in British Southeast Asia
— The Tragedy of Vietnam — Accommodating China and
Japan — Post-colonial Conflicts Postscript: Last Post in Hong
Kong 1997 373
Chronology 377
Endnotes 389
Bibliography 407
Index 441
Tentang Penulis
Arthur Cotterell was formerly the principal of Kinston College, London. Having lived and travelled widely in Asia, he has been writing about Asian affairs for decades. In 1980 he published The First Emperor of China, whose account of Qin Shi Huangdi’s remarkable reign was immediately translated into seven languages. His other works on subjects related to Western Power in Asia have also been acclaimed and translated. At present he is writing a history of Asia.
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