Asia

A. ​Describe the political ramifications of “The Great Game”.

Control over energy resources [of the former Soviet Union] and export routes out of the Eurasian hinterland is quickly becoming one of the central issues in post-Cold War politics. Like the "Great Game" of the early 20th century, in which the geopolitical interests of the British Empire and Russia clashed over the Caucasus region and Central Asia, today's struggle between Russia and the West may turn on who controls the oil reserves in Eurasia.

B. Explain why the British were interested in establishing colonies in Southeast Asia.

The main interests were about increasing trade between India, southeast Asia, and China. There were great trading opportunities among ports in Singapore, the Strait of Melaka. They soon conquered modern day Malaysia in the 1870’s and 1880’s. Out of this they got an abundant supply of tin and rubber.

C. What did the French introduce in Indochine? (Related to education)

In Indochina, they introduced European style schools and sought to establish close connections with native elites. They also encouraged conversion to Christianity , and as a result, the Roman Catholic church became prominent throughout French Indochina.