The History of Asia

Asia is the worlds’ largest continent and the birthplace of the worlds’ earliest civilizations, such as those of the Sumerians, China and India. The emergence of these civilizations had a profound impact on history, both ancient and modern. As did the emergence of 3 major world religions: Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam. Colonial interferences affected Asia’s development over the centuries, but decades of independent growth, today’s’ Asian economies are booming.

Early civilizations in Asia were largely isolated from each other and from the rest of the world by barriers of deserts, mountains and oceans. Only the Middle East had strong connection with Europe. Therefore, Asian civilization and cultures developed independently for thousands of years. Over time, major civilizations, such as those of India and China, began to affect other Asian culture.

During 17, 18 and 19th centuries trade thrived, through some Asian countries were closed by outsiders. Russian and European countries bought silk, tea and porcelain from China. India traded with the world and was famous for its hand-made textile. Western powers became increasingly interested in annexing Asian territories for trade purpose.

In the 19th century, European powers colonized much of Asia. The British took over Burma, Malaya, North Borneo and the Hong Kong; French Dominated Indonesia; the Dutch controlled Indonesia, and Russia annexed Central Asian provinces.
After World War I, Asian nationalism grew. In 1918, Arab leaders over-threw Turkish rule. After 1945, many Asian countries threw off colonial rule. In 1947, India and Pakistan struggled for and won independence from Britain. Indonesia won independence from The Netherlands. In 1949, France also tried prevent Vietnamese from independence but was defeated in 1954; the other French Colonies, Laos and Cambodia became independence in 1954 and 1953 respectively. In the 1980s, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong and South Korea use their well educated population and high investment to become prosperous “dragon” economies. In the 1990s, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia also developed rapidly. Politically Asia is normal except of Middle East and Vietnam war.