Much of the Middle East during the 19th century nominally fell under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. Still, rising nationalism and European influence were increasing, leading to a decline in the empire.

In the early 19th century, specifically in 1805, Muhammad Ali emerged as a prominent leader in Egypt. He took control of the territory previously under the Ottoman Empire and initiated a series of reforms to modernize the country.

Muhammad Ali’s vision included advancements in agriculture, military, and education. 

However, the British also eyed Egypt due to its strategic location. They sought to control the Suez Canal, a crucial passage linking the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. The canal was essential for Britain, providing a quicker route to India and significantly impacting trade and military logistics.

Construction on the Suez Canal began in 1859 and was completed in 1869, marking a pivotal moment in global trade. 

Before its existence, ships had to navigate around the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa, which was time-consuming and dangerous. 

The Suez Canal transformed this journey, drastically reducing travel distance and time. 

Often referred to as the "lifeline of the British Empire," the canal not only facilitated quicker access to India but also symbolized British control over the region, contributing to the decline of the Ottoman Empire.

Unlike India, China avoided outright colonization but faced intense pressure from Western powers.

Following its defeat in the Opium Wars, China was forced into a series of unequal treaties, granting foreign nations significant trade concessions. This period began a "sphere of influence," where various countries, including Britain and France, controlled Chinese territories and trade.

In response to these challenges, China initiated a self-strengthening movement to modernize its military and adopt Western technology while attempting to preserve its traditional Confucian culture.

However, foreign intervention continued to grow, leading to the Open Door Policy, which sought to allow equal trading rights for all nations in China.

This influx of foreign influence culminated in the Boxer Rebellion, a nationalist uprising led by the Boxers, who opposed foreign control. The rebellion was ultimately suppressed by an international coalition, further weakening the Qing dynasty and contributing to the eventual fall of imperial rule in China.

Contrasting China's struggles, Japan took a proactive approach to avoid colonization. From the 17th to 19th centuries, Japan was isolated under the Tokugawa Shogunate.

In 1854, US Commodore Matthew Perry, under threat of force, pressured Japan into signing unequal treaties with Western powers.

Japan recognized the need to modernize. This led to the Meiji Restoration in 1868, a period characterized by significant reforms to transform Japan into a competitive world power.

During the Meiji era, Japan implemented sweeping changes, including land redistribution, establishing a new political system, and adopting a constitution. Investments in industry, communication infrastructure, and railroads fueled rapid industrialization.

By embracing Western technology while maintaining its cultural identity, Japan successfully avoided the fate of many other Asian nations and emerged as a formidable power by the early 20th century.

The Spanish-American War of 1889 led to years of US interference and war in places previously held Spanish territories.

In Latin America, the aftermath of the Spanish-American War marked a significant shift in the power dynamic. The United States gained control of Ciba Gai and the Philippines, expanding its regional influence. 

The Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, enacted in 1904, justified U.S. intervention in Latin American affairs to maintain stability and limit European influence. This policy reflected the growing American imperialism in the region. 

U.S. and European investments in Latin American economies often prioritized the interests of foreign powers over local needs, leading to economic dependence. The construction of the Panama Canal, completed in 1914, exemplified this influence.

The Panama Canal drastically improved access between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, significantly enhancing trade and reducing travel time. The project faced numerous challenges, including rugged terrain and public health issues, but ultimately showcased American engineering prowess.