During the 1500s and 1600s the Europeans were able to take control of the international trade of Asia, thereby diverting the profits from this trade to Europe.
Explanation:
Southeast Asian economies became based on cash crops. Roads, harbors, rail systems, and improved communication was established. Education, health, and sanitation improved.
Colonialism and Nationalism in Southeast Asia. As a result, the Europeans became stronger while Asian empires and kingdoms became weaker.
Portugal was the first European power to establish a bridgehead in maritime Southeast Asia with the conquest of the Sultanate of Malacca in 1511. The Netherlands and Spain followed and soon superseded Portugal as the main European powers in the region. In 1599, Spain began to colonise the Philippines.
