Sea Nationalism

Discuss the validity of the statement that "in SEA, nationalism was principally an ideology of anti-colonial struggle."

Intro

Definition

Duiker defined nationalism as the result of a gradual process which begins with a primitive awareness of shared destiny and of ethnic or cultural distinctiveness. Only gradually does national consciousness expand into an awareness of the modern concept of nationhood, rooted in the mass of the population. Nationalism takes place in 3 stages: proto, modern and mature.

Interpretation

This statement implies that the defining nature of SEA nationalism was opposition of colonial rule.

Argument Outline

It is true that SEA nationalism was a concept of anti-colonial struggle, but there were also other forms mainly traditional, cultural/religious and ethnic/economical and moderate/reformist. They were not anti colonial in nature but rather reactions to colonial policies. SEA society was never homogenous, thus political awareness among the masses came only post WWII after originating from non political forms before 1945. This essay would be covering the early stage of SEA nationalism before WWII.

Thesis

Thus, it can be seen that there are many variations of nationalism which were not necessary anti colonial in nature due to the unique demographic circumstances of SEA. To say that in SEA, nationalism was principally an ideology of anti-colonial struggle would be a oversimplification and generalization.

Expo 1

P: SEA nationalism was a result of traditional nationalism which was anti colonial in nature.

E: Saya San, a Western educated Buddhist monk initiated a rebellion aimed at overthrowing the British and reinstalling himself as king of Burma. He relied heavily on traditional symbols, ceremonies, popular magic, amulets etc. The Saya San Rebellion(1930-1931) was crushed eventually by the British after several top leaders were captured and executed.

E: Traditional resistance was anti colonial in nature. They sought to bring back pre-colonial political systems and were generally sporadic and spontaneous peasant/grassroots movements with no strong leadership, strategy or organizational ability. As seen from Saya San rebellion, the indigenous people hated the British because they transformed their economy to a subservient one, causing them to suffer greatly from the Great Depression when rice(main export) prices fell. The British also broke down the traditional social order with the removal of monarchy, in turn leading to a lost of patron for Buddhism.

P: SEA nationalism had anti colonial forms.

Expo 2

P: Nationalism in SEA was a result of cultural and religious identity being expressed.

E: Young Men's

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