This paper focuses on the key events and forces that shaped the world order from 1870s to the outbreak of World War II. It examines how the extension of colonial rule in Southeast Asia shaped the development of different Southeast Asian states like Malaya, and Vietnam. 

Students will also examine the interactions between the locals and colonial powers, in particular, how the locals responded, challenged and managed the extension of European control in Southeast Asia.

1. Overview of Southeast Asia before 1870

2. Extension of European control in Southeast Asia

   • British Malaya, 1870s-1920 (SBCS Topic) 

   • French Vietnam, 1870s-1920s.

The paper also examines the key forces and developments that shaped the post-World War I world, including the attempts at collective security, the rise of authoritarian regimes in Nazi Germany and Militarist Japan, and the developments that led to the outbreak of World War II in Europe and the Asia-Pacific.

1. Overview of World War I

2. Rise of Authoritarian Regimes

   • Overview of the attempts at establishing viable political systems after World War I

   • Case Study of Nazi Germany (SBCS Topic) 

   • Case Study of Militarist Japan, 1920s-1930s

3. War in Europe and Asia

   • Key developments leading to the outbreak of World War II in Europe (SBCS Topic)

   • Key developments leading to the outbreak of World War II in the Asia-Pacific