Over the past few centuries, Western imperialist expansion has significantly changed the Asia Pacific region. (Borthwick 2007, 61) Essentially, colonialism is defined as “the control of one country over another area and its population.” (Unknown 2013) During this period, territorial expansion was the primary objective of England, France, the United States of America, and the Empire of Japan. Their ability to travel great distances, combined with military superiority, has allowed these countries to exert their influence and occupy larger territories. This era helped shape the Southeast Asia region in profound ways. This article will discuss how colonial rule before World War II influenced the development of the region, as well as economic and social changes. The Far East, more specifically Southeast Asia, was seen in Western eyes as a great opportunity to develop a region that up to this point had not become industrialized. (Borthwick 2007, 80) Southeast Asia had been known to the Western world for centuries thanks to land trade routes previously established throughout the region. (Borthwick 2007, 65) While there were many imperialist nations, Britain and France were among the most vigorous in their quest for greater power. Imperialism in Southeast Asia took off thanks to the ability to transport military power by sea from long distances. From the early 1800s to World War II, these two countries dominated more than a third of the world's surface area. (Borthwick 2007, 81) Britain controlled India, Burma (Myanmar), Malaya, British New Guinea, Singapore, Sarawak, Brunei, Bhutan, and Hong Kong. In contrast, France controlled Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, as illustrated in Figure 1. Thailand, then Siam, was the only country that was never… middle of paper…, 2013). Kim, Wonik. “Rethinking Colonialism and the Origins of the Developmental State in East Asia.” Journal of Contemporary Asia, August 2009: 382-399.Shu, Min. "Waseda University." and http://www.aoni.waseda.jp/min.shu/documents/Hegemon.pdf (accessed 22 November 2013). Ty, Rey. Northern Illinois University, Seaside Town. and http://www.seasite.niu.edu/crossroads/ty/COLONIALISM_%20IN_SE%20ASIA.htm (accessed November 22, 2013).Unknown. "Maps.com." Map of Imperialism in the Modern World, 1900. 26 September 2011. https://www.maps.com/ref_map.aspx?pid=11406 (accessed 22 November 2103). Merriam Webster Dictionary. 2013. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colonialism (accessed 21 November 2013).Wilson, Dr. Constance. Colonialism and nationalism in Southeast Asia. and http://www.seasite.niu.edu/crossroads/wilson/colonialism.htm (accessed November 22, 2013).