Ways of Exploitation and Opressions
"God created the world in His own image."
The foreigners who colonised Asia for 300 years were to fulfil their own needs and they ruled the conquered lands in various ways. Economically, from the past until now can be divided as follows.
- Open Robbery, formerly carried out by the Portuguese and Spanish.
- Monopoly, which in practice is equivalent to robbery, is still being carried out by the Dutch in Indonesia until now (c. 1926, ed.).
- Half Monopoly, began to be carried out by the British in India.
- Free Competition, started by America in the Philippines.
Other imperialist methods can almost be compared to the ones mentioned above.
The ways of oppression in politics are as follows.
- Barbaric imperialism, which is to destroy all indigenous political power and run an arbitrary government, for example is Spain in the Philippines.
- Autocratic imperialism, which is almost indistinguishable from the aforementioned article “a” like the Netherlands.
- Semi-liberal imperialism, i.e. imperialism that gives very limited power to the ruling indigenous people (kings or heads of state for generations such as Britain in India).
- Liberal imperialism, that is, imperialism that gives complete independence to the great landlords as well as to the rising indigenous bourgeoisie, for example is American imperialism in the Philippines.
Causes of Difference
The differences in the methods of extortion and oppression of the colonised are not due to differences in human nature in the imperialist countries. But because of the position of the capital of each country when they arrived in Asia, and also the way the capital was run.
By the time the Spanish and Portuguese arrived in Asia around the 1500s, they had not been completely free from feudalism. The Portuguese and Spanish were countries of agriculture, handicrafts, nobility and religion (so there was no victorian style industry yet).
There were no industrial goods that could be sold in the colony's markets. They came to the colonies to rob the produce there and then sold it on the European market at high prices. Because they strongly embraced the Catholic religion which had just expelled Islam from Spain, the Indonesians who embraced the animist religion in the Philippines were forced to become Christians. Who does not like to follow the force beheaded with a sword.
By the time the Dutch followed Spain and the Portuguese to Indonesia around the 1600s, much of Dutch feudalism had been pushed by the bourgeoisie. They had broken free from the oppression of feudalism as well as Catholicism and took the path of free trade, liberalism and Protestantism. The Netherlands was in the age of young capitalism.
Britain, which in 1750s was able to stand still in India, had in fact been immersed in the bourgeois revolution under Cromwell for 100 years.
After that, British capitalism advanced very rapidly, accompanied by the notions of free trade, liberalism, constitutionalism and the belief in independence.
America arrived in the Philippines in 1898 after two bourgeois revolutions (1775 and 1860). He firmly held Monroe's understanding of democracy and open-door politics.
Consequences of the Various Ways of Extortion and Oppression
As a result of the robbery, the Portuguese and Spanish were eventually expelled from their colonies.
Although the revolutionary spirit in Indonesia is mature and burning, our supplies are not enough, so Dutch imperialism is still standing.
By granting large concessions, if forced, as well as a politics of compromise to a group of Indians, British imperialism still stood there.
Under the guise of nurturing, helping and loving human beings as well as giving economic autonomy, great economic and political freedom to the indigenous people in the Philippine, American imperialism still created chaos there.
India
Although Warren Hasting and Lord Clive killed and robbed, their actions should not be equated with those of Daendels, van den Bosch and others, because the British colonial system in terms of "material and history" was much softer than the Dutch system (of course we do not want imperialism of any kind). The lust to kill and plunder from British imperialism cannot destroy the will of the Indian people.
This showed itself especially with Indian goods which had not been robbed by the British. After experiencing several political and economic struggles, the Indian nation was able to establish a large national industry, agriculture and trade. In addition, British imperialism organised schools from the lowest level to high schools (more than five universities) and for a long time has developed a system of government to "dominion" or beyond. India has had Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi, Das, Tagore, Dr. C. Bose and Dr. Naye who are famous all over the world. All of these educated people were born in recognition of British imperialism.
Because England in its own country had materials for industry (coal and iron), it in itself became a world workshop. Because it did not have cotton in the beginning, India was made a cotton plantation. In addition, as an industrial country with enormous incomes, the UK needs markets. Because of this, the British lands (the only industrial country) were forced to work together with India, albeit at the beginning indirectly. Do not firms and sealanes, whether import or export in such a large trade between Britain and India, need the middle Indian merchants as intermediaries? And again, can't "bayonets" always force a nation to buy things? Inevitably he must raise his standard of living, if he wants to obtain a permanent purchase. This is what forced British imperialism to provide Western education to a group of Indians. The first High School in Bengal which is now 100 years old, which at first could only be entered by the children of the rich and the aristocracy, was later allowed also for the children of the common people.
In such a short time, the high schools also produced so many educated people that the British bureaucracy could not accept them at all. There arose a class that was educated in the West and who felt unhappy, namely the educated or professional workers. From this class were born some of the leaders of the independence movement who are known as extremists, namely the left. Thus, British imperialism gave birth to its enemies and dug its own grave.
Under the leadership of the famous Tilak, there was a boycott of 1900-1905. The point is to keep national industry and trade alive, namely by boycotting British factory goods imported into India (cotton is grown in India, then sent to England, at double the price it is also sold to Indian buyers).
By using items that have not been robbed "as weapons", the educated gain victory. Large landlords and merchants provided assistance in the form of capital, enthusiasm and tools to meet the programs of the extremists. Despite being full of political, economic, financial obstacles and extraordinary tactics, Tilak and his compatriots were able to win. Various industries, including the weaving industry-the national industry of today-are the most important handicrafts of Tilak and his comrades. Even the industry already has an international field. Much of the victory also depended on the help of Indian workers and peasants.
Standing on Tilak's victory, Mr. Gandhi won the victory in the non-cooperation movement or the boycott movement. Almost all weaving factories in Bombay (approximately 200 in number) are now owned and managed by Indian brains and personnel. British cotton was hit in fierce competition, not only in India but also in Africa, Malay, China and eventually also in Europe.
India's current trade laws protect Indian cotton. Not a few plantation firms and banks are not working with Indian capital and are led by the Indian nation. Industries such as charcoal and iron; and the modern metal industry is now held by the Indians. During the world war England bought a train wagon from "Tata Coy", now (since about 2 years) he made an agreement to also buy train engines. In short, without the violence of British imperialism, India's national capital was established — which resulted in a relentless struggle, which at times led to bloodshed. India is now in the age of modern big industry. England is no longer the centre of the workshop in the world though in its own kingdom; and India is no longer a cotton field for Britain.
After Britain was defeated in the economic game, it was forced to acknowledge India's victory in politics. There now stands a national industry whose material interests are in some respects equal to those of the colonialists. It remained for Britain to grant political concessions to the representatives of the great landlords and the modern bourgeoisie.
Indeed, this is the meaning of the reform work of the state government that has been done for many years-the Montagu-Chelmsford reforms. Large districts with a population of 50,000,000 such as Bengal and the Central District after reforming (hervorming) with the intermediaries of district councils, almost fell into the hands of the Indian nation entirely. The election of the highest council (Duma of the Indian nation), influenced by the Swaray, the military, the academies, and the judiciary, in recent years was provided - occupied by the eloquent and loyal Indian sons.
However, there is not yet a single people's representative (parliament) and cabinet in charge. Although the reform of the Indian government is much more perfect than the Dutch -style House of Representatives, it has not yet reached the Dominion of Canada, the Philippine or Egyptian constitution. But a number of leaders and extremists could be drawn to the reform. As a result, the revolutionary movement was temporarily "stranded" until British imperialism had a chance to catch its breath.
Philippines
The situation in the Philippines is slightly different from that in India. The Americans came, in 1898, a time when the Filipinos had a "three-quarters success” in overthrowing the Spanish. At first America happened to be an ally, but once her stand was solid she stayed in the country. The 33 year Philippine-American War (1898-1901) failed to drive away the thieves. Before the arrival of America, the Philippines has been able to show some great nationalists such as Dr. Rizal (who was shot by the Spaniards from behind); the organiser Bonifacio, Mabini the diplomat and great generals Luna and Aquinaldo.
Therefore, it is necessary to use a very cunning deception to deceive the eyes of a nation that is as strong and clever, such as the Filipino people.
Due to the greatness and wealth of America and by one of the influential anti-imperialist ideologies among the American people, the imperialists immediately worked for reform. Domestic politics, mediated by the "Senate" and the "House of Representatives'', can now be said to be in the hands of the indigenous people. All representatives of the two councils-exempt from some Islamic regions-were elected with full suffrage and were all Filipinos. Most of the governors of the regions are also Filipinos. Only a few department heads are American. In a constitution, America must promise to grant the widest possible "independence" "to the Filipino people once they have demonstrated the competence to establish a permanent government".
Primary schools were observed with great care and emphasis on agriculture.
The companies that are the backbone of the Philippine economy are now held entirely by the indigenous hands. Some factories, trading houses and shipping lines are owned or operated by Filipinos. Four Universities and several high schools each year graduate Filipino sons and daughters in large numbers to defend the nation of 12,000,000 souls from American deception and fraud.
Very few people are illiterate. Almost all children go to school. To the far corners, apart from their own language, the young men understood English.
Even though the colleges there did not please an educated Dutchman like Dr. Nieuwenshuis who of course will forever lick the boots of his own government, while insulting the actions of others, but because of the height of Filipino intellect, the great and wealthy Americans cannot do as they please.
Because America in 1925 had to pay the price of rubber f 540,000,000 more than in 1924 to the United Kingdom, the Americans thought of opening a plantation in the Southern Philippines whose land was good for rubber.
But Filipino leaders are working hard to avoid being targeted by the American "rubber wolf." Before they went any further to acquire large tracts of land for rubber plantations, in concessions-thanks to the efforts of Philippine leaders, members of the Senate and the House with its long-standing land law stipulated that "no more than 2500 acres (one acre 4840 yards square) which can be rented to foreigners. Not long after the rubber wolf, through Firestone came to ask for a concession for the rubber plantation. They were greeted with the words that Philippine land law "does not grant permission".
Philippine leaders argued that if America invested its capital in the Philippines, in addition to the people would soon be miserable (as in Java) also America would have a reason to obstruct Philippine independence. American imperialism, which is no less ingenious than Anglo-Saxon imperialism, can one day say that a shock may arise because of America's untimely departure? American interests are at stake in the Philippines.
This is why the Philippine leaders hastily removed the land law from the law book and disclosed it to the entire people. It was like the village in the arrival of a tiger.
A nation that has already built national consciousness like the Philippines, moreover given insight by indigenous newspapers (due to the high school cursed by the educated Dr. Nieuwenshuis!), Can see and carry out the truth from its leaders. Accompanied by the entire people, the Philippine leaders can at any time shoot the rubber wolf of American imperialism with the arrow of the land law they made.
No one criticised the non-national school system other than the Philippine leaders themselves. In addition, there are difficulties in taking on the role of trade from foreign nations. But they all agreed that a healthy education system and the best economic changes could only be done perfectly after the nation's independence was achieved. And in which corner of the world is it viewed differently? The existence of a Governor-General who has the right to prevent (recht van veto) is an obstacle to economic reform that is solely for the benefit of the Filipino people. That is why, our brothers and sisters in the north there are still fighting solely for independence to the fullest extent possible.
The huge concessions, which were forcibly granted by the United States 25 years ago, could not cool the hearts of the Filipinos to take away their birthright and independence.
If the Filipinos had not joined America (one of the strongest and richest countries in the world), but "the famous pirates on the shores of the North Sea (Netherlands)”, it would have been a long time since the great Filipino people had driven them into hell.
Britain controls more than two-thirds of rubber and America consumes 72% of the world's produce. Due to the "Stevenson Rubber Restriction's policy" still in effect, the garden owners and monopolists, the British alone controlled the world's rubber - American Chamber of Commerce report chamber version published in the Manila Tribune, July 26, 1925.
Indonesia
The situation of India and the Philippines which I have presented above, I intend to add to our knowledge of imperialism.
About Indonesia, now and in the future, at length. After considering all that is described above, it is certainly not for the reader to define the robberies, arson, and murder committed by the Dutch. Therefore, we will not linger to describe “hongi-hongi” (pepper in Ambon), a coffee plantation now called an independent grower. All of them has been famous and cursed by every brainy human being.
Far be it from us to say that all these incidents were merely the work of individual Dutch people. We ourselves have known enough of the character and habits of the Dutch. But the manners and songs of Dutch imperialism made the Dutch nation as we know it then and now - evil and cruel.
When the Dutch directed their pirate ships to Indonesia, at that time their country was only a country of farmers and small coffee shopkeepers.
Even today the country still remains as a country of farmers and merchants. And it will not change, because it has no basic materials for large industries, namely coal, iron and cotton. If the Dutch state did not have its colonies, it would not be able to match Belgium or Sweden.
At its height it was just a country of lonely peasants and small merchants like Denmark.
With the courage and will of a pirate and the greed of a small coffee shopkeeper, he confiscated all the Indonesian produce. There is not a single stone for indigenous economic housing that is left behind. How can we expect a wise government from these pirates, and small shopkeepers! (How can security and state management be expected of pirates and thieves - beware!).
Before the arrival of the East Indies Company, the Chinese, Hindu, Arabs (eventually) became Javanese or at least continued to live in the country, but the Dutch came to Indonesia and returned to their country with sacks full of untold riches. There, Indonesian money was scattered and that is where they sucked their pension funds from Indonesian coffers. As a result, the Indonesian economy is leaking and drying up!
If the Netherlands is a developed industrial state, it will sooner or later have to, like Britain and America, adopt a different politics.
They will certainly use liberal politics against Javanese or Indo-Javanese nobles. Thus, political and economic progress as it is now happening in the Philippines and India, can also happen in Indonesia. Although the Netherlands has begun to industrialise Indonesia in the last 20 years, the goal remains a monopoly. Its capital remains foreign capital.
The gap between the coloniser and the colonised now remains as it was in the days of Daendels and van den Bosch. Only the roaring voice of the revolution can fill that deep chasm.
But it seems that because of this, Indonesia and other Asian countries will survive the imperialism defended by the Netherlands. Because of the sharp social conflict in Indonesia, one day a new nature will inevitably emerge that can free Indonesia and the whole of Asia from Western actions forever.