Chapter 18 Section 2Southeast Asian Nations Gain

Independence

I. Philippines Achieves IndependenceA. The US and the Philippines

1. Obtaining its independence did come at a price but one that helped both the US and the Philippines.

2. First in order to receive war damage money they had to agree to the Bell Act to obtain the 620 million dollars from the US

3. The US also required the Filipinos to let the US have two military bases for 99 years. However the US relented and gave them up in 1992.

4. Over time the Philippines has been able to become less dependent on US products and trade and has become a economic presence in SE Asia

Former US Base

B. From Marcos to Ramos1. Fernando Marcos ruled from 1966-1986 and he imposed an

authoritarian regime that stole millions of dollars. As well as abusing power by imposing martial law which allowed him to rule longer than allowed.

2. Corazon Aquino decisively defeated Marcos in 1986. She ratified a new constitution and successfully negotiated an end to US military base control.

3. Fidel V. Ramos succeeded Aquino and served the newly created maximum 6 year reign of power. This prevented any possibility of someone like Marcos ruling for 20 years.

C. Government Battles Rebels1. The govt. has been fighting against separatists like the Moros later

known as the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).2. In 1996 an agreement was made which gave the Moros (in the

southern region) autonomous powers.3. Not all were satisfied as a MNLF splinter group known as Abu

Sayyaf demanded full independence. As a result conflict still arises in the region with kidnappings and other violence. Conflict continues to this day.

Location of the Moros

Abu Sayyaf Fighters

II. British Colonies Gain IndependenceA. Burma Experiences Turmoil

1. Once Burma gained its independence in 1948 it immediately changed its name to Myanmar, its name in the Burmese language.

2. From 1948 to 1988 the government and the people struggled with repressive military govts, rise of communism and ethnic minorities fighting for power.

3. In 1988 Aung San Suu Kyi returned to Myanmar and she formed the National League for Democracy which won 80 percent of the govt. seats in 1990 but the military refused to hand over power. The struggle for power continued well into the early 2000’s

Aung San SuuKyi-Spent many years in prison for her fight to bring democracy to Myanmar

B. Malaysia and Singapore1. After WWII, Britain tried to unite and organize all of the different

peoples of Malaya. In the end it would be broken up into different parts

2. Singapore became an independent city-state.3. Malaya, Sarawak, and Sabah became known as Malaysia 4. Singapore has become a banking center besides being one of the

busiest ports in the region. A true economic powerhouse

III. Indonesia gains Independence from the DutchA. Sukarno Leads the Independence Movement

1. After the end of WWII, a man named Sukarno established an independent movement for Indonesia from the Dutch.

2. Initially the Dutch tried to hold onto its colony through military action but once it lost support for its claim by the UN and the US it gave up and gave Indonesia its independence.

3. Indonesia consists of 13,600 islands, 300 ethnic groups, 250 languages, and most of the worlds religions. Yes very diverse.

B. Instability and Turmoil1. The vastness of Indonesia cause problems for Sukarno who was

unable to manage the economy which caused terrible inflation. This led to a rebellion.

2. General Suharto, put down the rebellion and assumed power that resulted in the death of 500,000 to 1 million deaths. Name president in 1967. His rule was harsh and lasted until 1998.

3. In 2001 Megawati Sukarnoputri (Sukarno’s daughter) was named president and has pushed democratic ideology for Indonesia

C. East Timor Wins Independence1. East Timor never stopped trying to re-gain its independence from

Indonesia despite the brutal force put on them by Suharto.2. Jose Ramos Horta led the charge by using non-violence tactics to

obtain their independence. Even earning a Nobel Peace prize in 1996 for his efforts.

3. A vote for independence in 1999 was sponsored by the UN and overwhelmingly accepted but the East Timorese but Indonesia forces killed hundreds as a result.

4. East Timor finally gained independence in 2001 with the help of UN military forces.

Jose Ramos Horta