Asia and Western Dominance

Spanning nearly 450 years, this work surveys one of the most defining epochs in global history, from Vasco da Gama’s arrival in India in 1498 to the end of World War II in 1945. The book examines the consequences of European expansion on the social, political, and economic landscape of Asia. Divided into distinct phases, Asia and Western Dominance captures the nuances of each era with clarity across five chapters. The book begins with the early phase of exploration and maritime dominance (1498-1700), detailing the Portuguese, Dutch, and Spanish incursions and the establish­ment of trading empires. It explores the innovative strategies of these powers and the ways Asian rulers adapted to these challenges. The second phase (1700-1858) focuses on the consolidation of colonial power, as Britain, France, and other European nations competed for su­premacy. The text illustrates the decline of indigenous empires, the restruc­turing of local economies to suit European interests, and the resulting emergence of social discontent.