Question

Compare and contrast Portuguese, Spanish, English and Dutch intrusions into Southeast Asia. What were their motivations, where did they concentrate their colonial efforts, and what was the nature of their involvement in the regions?

Answer 1

The following is a comparison between the Portuguese, Spanish, English, and Dutch intrusions in Southeast Asia:

• Portuguese: The Portuguese were motivated by the possibilities of trade in spices and condiments. The concentrated most of their colonial efforts in the western coasts of Southeast Asia. Their involvement was limited to trading.

• Spanish: Not many Spanish traders traveled to southeast Asia but the ones who did largely restricted themselves to the Indian subcontinent. There were not much colonial efforts put in by the Spanish.

• English: The English were the most influential and powerful European power in Southeast Asia. They concentrated their colonial efforts throughout Southeast Asia and involved in both trading and administrative activities.

• Dutch: The Dutch were small in number and were not interested in anything other than trade and commerce.