Colonialism in Southeast Asia and the Austral and Pacific Realms Essay

Colonialism in Southeast Asia and the Austral and Pacific Realms - Essay Example However, though the Philippines became subjected to another power, they still maintained some of their native belief systems. Colonization of the Philippine realm was due to its potential in commercial success with other countries. During the 18th century, the Spanish population was significantly less but soon the population started expanding. Intermarriage of the Spanish and the Philippines led to the growth of a very strong community that became the most powerful politically and economically (McCoy, 2001). A consequent growth of the Spanish community in Philippine later took over the Philippine realm. Spanish colonization of the Philippine realm did not face confrontation by indigenous states supported by aristocracies, bureaucracies, or religious organization contrast to other European colonizers elsewhere in Southeast Asia. In addition, the Spanish rule over the Philippines defined the modern state of the Philippines in matters concerning the social, religious, and ideological underpinnings. The Spanish rule over the Philippines had less impact to them economically. However, there was a considerable impact on the people politically and religiously. To have full control of the Philippine realm, the Spaniards gradually abolished hereditary nobility and dignity, limited power to Philippine chiefs, encouraged slavery and subsequently secured themselves high aristocratic positions in the state. Since Philippine had a history of economical flourish, the Spaniards took this as an opportunity to excel, expand, and uplift their country’s economic status (Lockard, 2006). They used water to transport silver, gold, and other materials of exchange to Europe where it graced the lives of the European elite. Philippine consequently turned to a regional trading area in Southeast Asia. The key reason that enabled the Spaniards to colonize Philippine was the close relationship the state had with the church. Spain being a Christian realm wanted to convert