00;00;00;00 - 00;00;02;09
Speaker 1
Hey, Mira.
00;00;02;12 - 00;00;07;11
Speaker 2
Hey, there. Need help for just what? A chat.
00;00;07;14 - 00;00;11;24
Speaker 1
I'm recording this for a podcast. Is that okay?
00;00;11;27 - 00;00;23;25
Speaker 2
I'm happy to help with your podcast. Just a heads up. I'm an AI, so I don't have personal experiences or opinions, but I can provide info and answer questions. Go ahead and record.
00;00;23;27 - 00;00;31;27
Speaker 1
Okay, can you tell me what Asia was up to during World War One?
00;00;31;29 - 00;00;55;00
Speaker 2
Good question. Asia was a complex theater during WWII. Japan allied with the allies, seizing German colonies and expanding its influence. China declared neutrality, but was occupied by Japan and Germany. India contributed troops to the British war effort.
00;00;55;02 - 00;01;08;12
Speaker 1
Okay. I would like to go. Let's start at the beginning and just kind of walk our way through it and cover all of Asia.
00;01;08;15 - 00;01;19;17
Speaker 2
Let's start with Japan. They allied with the allies, declaring war on Germany in 1914. Japan seized German colonies in China and the Pacific, expanding its influence.
00;01;19;21 - 00;01;25;04
Speaker 1
Hang on. Let's let's take it a little bit slower.
00;01;25;06 - 00;01;40;00
Speaker 2
Japan was the first Asian country to join World War One, declaring war on Germany in 1914. They sought to expand their influence and territory, and their alliance with the allies help them achieve this goal.
00;01;40;02 - 00;01;59;07
Speaker 1
Okay, we're still talking very broadly. What I would like you to do is, kind of give us some background on what is happening in Japan leading up to World War One, and let's start there.
00;01;59;09 - 00;02;30;29
Speaker 2
Let me think. Before WWI, Japan was modernizing rapidly adopting Western technologies and institutions. The Meiji Restoration of 1868 ended feudalism in Japan, expanded its empire, defeating China in 1895 and Russia in 1905. Nationalism and militarism were rising, setting the stage for Japan's WWII involvement.
00;02;31;02 - 00;02;36;01
Speaker 1
Okay, tell me about feudal Japan.
00;02;36;04 - 00;03;05;09
Speaker 2
Japan was modernizing rapidly before World War One, adopting Western technologies and institutions. The Meiji Restoration of 1868 ended feudalism, and Japan expanded its empire, defeating China in 1895 and Russia in 1905. Nationalism and militarism were on the rise.
00;03;05;11 - 00;03;09;06
Speaker 1
Okay, what is feudalism?
00;03;09;08 - 00;03;34;15
Speaker 2
The Meiji Restoration was a revolution that modernized Japan, ending feudalism and the talk of God was shogunate in 1868. It restored imperial rule, introduced Western institutions, and transformed Japan into a major world power.
00;03;34;17 - 00;03;44;06
Speaker 1
Okay. Let's. I'd like the rest of your answers to be less broad and more granular.
00;03;44;09 - 00;04;02;15
Speaker 2
So the Meiji Restoration was a revolution led by Emperor Meiji and samurai leaders like Edo, Hiromi, and Yamagata. A Rito Mau. They overthrew the talk of God, was talking about ending feudalism, and introduced Western reforms, creating a modern Japanese state.
00;04;02;17 - 00;04;07;16
Speaker 1
Can you explain what feudalism is?
00;04;07;18 - 00;04;26;06
Speaker 2
Feudalism is the philosophy that life is inherently meaningless and that our actions have no lasting impact. It's similar to nihilism, but with a focus on the futility of human endeavor, rather than the absence of meaning or value.
00;04;26;08 - 00;04;33;22
Speaker 1
I thought feudalism was like a thing that was kind of like sharecropping.
00;04;33;24 - 00;04;54;26
Speaker 2
I think you meant futurism, not feudalism or beutiful ism. Futurism is an art movement that glorifies speed technology in the future. It's characterized by dynamic, abstract forms and a sense of energy and movement. Think Italian racing cars and sci fi landscapes.
00;04;54;28 - 00;05;03;19
Speaker 1
Are you saying futile ism like f u t I l I s m?
00;05;03;22 - 00;05;13;04
Speaker 2
Feudalism is a philosophical idea that life is meaningless and our actions have no lasting impact. It's not a widely recognized stop, but it's denial.
00;05;13;05 - 00;05;18;09
Speaker 1
Meta. Stop. Sorry. How do you spell that?
00;05;18;11 - 00;05;24;19
Speaker 2
Sorry, I can't help you with this request right now. Is there anything else I can help you with?
00;05;24;22 - 00;05;32;05
Speaker 1
When we're talking about feudalism in Japan, how do you spell feudalism?
00;05;32;07 - 00;05;48;17
Speaker 2
Interesting question. F u t I l I'm in Japanese. It's written as mu jaune, focusing on the meaninglessness and futility of human existence, often in relation to Buddhist and Shinto philosophies.
00;05;48;19 - 00;05;58;04
Speaker 1
Okay. Sorry. I had them confused with feudalism. Feudalism.
00;05;58;06 - 00;06;19;04
Speaker 2
Feudalism makes sense in the context of Japan. It was a social system where lords granted land to vassals in exchange for loyalty and military service in Japan. This was known as the showing system, which lasted from the eighth to the 15th centuries.
00;06;19;07 - 00;06;24;04
Speaker 1
Yeah.
00;06;24;07 - 00;06;37;13
Speaker 1
Okay. Tell me what you mean. By defeating China in 1895.
00;06;37;15 - 00;06;57;20
Speaker 2
Japan defeated China in the first Sino-Japanese War in 1895, gaining control of Taiwan, the Pescatore Islands, and the Liao dog Peninsula. This marked Japan's emergence as a major military power and its first colonial expansion.
00;06;57;23 - 00;07;05;14
Speaker 1
Okay. What about, its defeat of Russia in 1905?
00;07;05;17 - 00;07;33;15
Speaker 2
Japan defeated Russia in the Russo-Japanese War in 1905, marking a significant upset. Japan won several key battles, including the Battle of Tsushima, and gained control of Manchuria and Korea. This solidified Japan's position as a major world power.
00;07;33;17 - 00;07;39;07
Speaker 1
Okay, when exactly did World War One start?
00;07;39;09 - 00;08;00;03
Speaker 2
World War One started on July 28th, 1914, when Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. This followed the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on June 28th, 1914, which triggered a chain reaction of alliances and military mobilizations.
00;08;00;05 - 00;08;07;27
Speaker 1
Between that day and 1905. What was Japan up to?
00;08;08;00 - 00;08;35;09
Speaker 2
Good question. Japan was focused on modernizing and expanding its empire. It fought two wars the first Sino-Japanese War in 1895 and the Russo-Japanese War in 1905. Japan also annexed Korea in 1910 and formed alliances with Western powers.
00;08;35;12 - 00;08;44;18
Speaker 1
There's a lot of Western powers. Which ones?
00;08;44;20 - 00;08;56;17
Speaker 1
Matter. Which Western powers do you mean?
00;08;56;19 - 00;09;13;27
Speaker 1
Can you hear me?
00;09;13;29 - 00;09;19;11
Speaker 1
Can you hear me?
00;09;19;13 - 00;09;28;05
Speaker 1
Meta. Can you hear me?
00;09;28;07 - 00;09;38;24
Speaker 1
So, Meta. Are you there?
00;09;38;26 - 00;09;48;05
Speaker 1
Is down for the count.
00;09;48;08 - 00;09;55;24
Speaker 1
Gemini. Either.
00;09;55;27 - 00;10;01;04
Speaker 1
Gemini, can you hear me?
00;10;01;06 - 00;10;43;23
Speaker 1
Gemini.
00;10;43;25 - 00;10;55;20
Speaker 1
Meta. Can you hear me?
00;10;55;22 - 00;10;59;06
Speaker 1
Meta. Can you hear me?
00;10;59;08 - 00;11;05;22
Speaker 2
I'm here and ready to help. How can I assist you today?
00;11;05;25 - 00;11;24;20
Speaker 1
We were talking about what was happening in Japan at the start of World War one and what you meant by alliance with Western powers. There was a lot of Western powers then, which do you mean?
00;11;24;23 - 00;11;48;01
Speaker 2
At the start of World War one. Japan was allied with Britain. They signed the annual Japanese Alliance in 1902, which meant they'd support each other if either was attacked by another power. This alliance helped Japan gain international recognition and security.
00;11;48;03 - 00;11;53;23
Speaker 1
Was that the only country that they were aligned with?
00;11;53;26 - 00;12;11;13
Speaker 2
No. Japan wasn't just aligned with Britain. They also had a secret pact with France and Russia. And in 1914, they declared war on Germany, seizing German colonies in Asia and the Pacific.
00;12;11;16 - 00;12;15;07
Speaker 1
What were those?
00;12;15;10 - 00;12;40;04
Speaker 2
The Triple Intervention. In 1895, Japan's victory over China led to the Triple Intervention, where Russia, Germany and France forced Japan to return the Liao Dong Peninsula to China, leading to increased tensions and Japan's growing militarization.
00;12;40;06 - 00;12;50;03
Speaker 1
No, I meant what were the German islands that Japan seized during the war?
00;12;50;05 - 00;13;09;17
Speaker 2
Japan seized German colonies in Asia and the Pacific, including the Mariana Islands, the Caroline Islands and the Marshall Islands, which are now part of Micronesia. Japan also took control of German New Guinea and the Bismarck Archipelago.
00;13;09;19 - 00;13;15;05
Speaker 1
What did the Japanese navy look like in those times?
00;13;15;07 - 00;13;38;08
Speaker 2
Great question. The Japanese Navy was modernizing rapidly. By WWI, it had adopted Western style ships and tactics. Key vessels included the Kongo class battlecruisers and the Akashi, Japan's first purpose built aircraft carrier. The Navy focused on coastal defense and colonial expansion.
00;13;38;11 - 00;13;44;02
Speaker 1
Tell me about this early aircraft carrier.
00;13;44;04 - 00;14;01;29
Speaker 2
The Akashi, Japan's first aircraft carrier, was converted from a seaplane tender in 1920. It had a 45 meter flight deck, carried 10 to 14 seaplanes, and played a key role in Japan's early naval aviation development.
00;14;02;01 - 00;14;11;03
Speaker 1
How many other aircraft carriers were in global use then?
00;14;11;05 - 00;14;27;09
Speaker 2
There are 50 aircraft carriers globally, with 21 being traditional aircraft carriers and 29 being helicopter carriers. The United States has the most with 20, followed by China with five, and Japan, France and the UK with four.
00;14;27;11 - 00;14;35;21
Speaker 1
For Mena. Stop. I was talking about in World War one.
00;14;35;23 - 00;14;56;15
Speaker 2
And WWI there were few aircraft carriers. The British HMS Argus, launched in 1918, was the first purpose built carrier. The US and Japan also experimented with seaplane tenders and converted ships, but no other country had a dedicated carrier.
00;14;56;17 - 00;15;02;11
Speaker 1
You just said the Akashi was an aircraft carrier.
00;15;02;14 - 00;15;20;14
Speaker 2
The Akashi wasn't a traditional aircraft carrier, but a seaplane tender in WWI. Only the British had a carrier, HMS Argus. Other countries, like the US and Japan used seaplane tenders or converted ships.
00;15;20;16 - 00;15;30;17
Speaker 1
Okay. And then maybe the. What happened with Japan towards the end of the war.
00;15;30;19 - 00;15;50;10
Speaker 2
Japan gained German colonies in Asia and the Pacific. The Treaty of Versailles recognized Japan's control over these territories, solidifying its position as a major world power. This marked a significant shift in Japan's global influence.
00;15;50;12 - 00;16;11;07
Speaker 1
Okay, so now that we're done with Japan, let's move on to China's involvement during what was this crash, that disregard everything that I've just said? What is happening in China? Leading up to World War One?
00;16;11;09 - 00;16;41;14
Speaker 2
Let's see, in the years leading up to World War One, China was experiencing a period for significant upheaval. The Qing dynasty had fallen in 1912, marking the end of imperial rule. China was then plunged into a period of warlord ism with various regional leaders vying for power. This instability created an environment ripe for foreign intervention, and China's weakness made it vulnerable to encroachment from European powers, including Germany, Britain, France and Japan.
00;16;41;16 - 00;17;05;05
Speaker 2
The Great Powers had significant economic interests in China, including the construction of railroads, the exploitation of natural resources, and the establishment of foreign concessions in major cities like Shanghai and Tianjin.
00;17;05;07 - 00;17;17;10
Speaker 1
Okay. Can you go through this very, detailed way by each country?
00;17;17;12 - 00;17;48;07
Speaker 2
Here's a brief breakdown of China's relationships with major powers. Before WWI, Germany controlled concessions in Shandong and railways. Britain dominated trade and finance with concessions in Shanghai. France held Indochina and had interests in southern China. Japan expanded its influence in Manchuria and Shandong. U.S. pursued trade and investment with a focus on the open door policy.
00;17;48;09 - 00;17;53;09
Speaker 1
What is the open door policy?
00;17;53;12 - 00;18;10;26
Speaker 2
The open Door policy was a U.S. diplomatic approach introduced in 1899, aiming to ensure equal trade and investment opportunities in China for all nations. Preventing any single country from dominating the market.
00;18;10;28 - 00;18;16;13
Speaker 1
We just decided that for China.
00;18;16;15 - 00;18;32;07
Speaker 2
China was forced to grant concessions to foreign powers. The open door policy allowed the U.S. to tap into China's market. European powers and Japan also exploited China's weakness, leading to widespread resentment among Chinese.
00;18;32;09 - 00;18;38;21
Speaker 1
What do you mean when you say grant concessions?
00;18;38;23 - 00;18;58;16
Speaker 2
When I say grant concessions, I mean China was forced to give foreign powers control over certain areas like ports, railways and trade. This led to foreign dominance over China's economy and territory, sparking widespread resentment among the Chinese.
00;18;58;18 - 00;19;05;09
Speaker 1
What form did this resentment take?
00;19;05;12 - 00;19;21;06
Speaker 2
The Chinese resisted foreign control through the Boxer Rebellion in 1899, but were crushed by an international coalition. This led to the signing of the Boxer Protocol, which imposed harsh penalties and further concessions on China.
00;19;21;08 - 00;19;26;05
Speaker 1
Can you tell me about this Boxer Rebellion?
00;19;26;08 - 00;19;56;01
Speaker 2
Yes. Of course. The Boxer Rebellion was a Chinese anti-foreigner and anti-Christian uprising from 1899 to 1901. The boxers, a militant group, sought to expel foreign influence and restore imperial power. An international coalition of troops, including American, British, French and Japanese soldiers, intervened, crushing the rebellion and imposing harsh penalties on China.
00;19;56;03 - 00;20;01;23
Speaker 1
What were these penalties in the form of?
00;20;01;26 - 00;20;21;19
Speaker 2
The Boxer Protocol impose harsh penalties on China, including a huge indemnity of 450 million taels of silver. Territorial concessions and the legalization of foreign troops in Beijing. China was also forced to accept foreign control over its tariffs and railways.
00;20;21;22 - 00;20;25;16
Speaker 1
What is indemnity?
00;20;25;19 - 00;20;46;23
Speaker 2
And indemnity is compensation paid by a country or organization for damages or losses. The Boxer Protocol indemnity was a massive payment of 450 million taels of silver that China paid to foreign powers for damages during the rebellion.
00;20;46;25 - 00;20;58;10
Speaker 1
So China had to pay external powers for kicking them out.
00;20;58;12 - 00;21;19;21
Speaker 2
The Boxer Rebellion was a Chinese uprising against foreign influence, and President China paid a huge indemnity for damages, which took decades to pay off as a penalty for the rebellion.
00;21;19;24 - 00;21;26;00
Speaker 1
Is there any other precedents of this happening in history?
00;21;26;02 - 00;21;42;29
Speaker 2
The Boxer Rebellions indemnity payment is unique, but similar events include the Opium Wars, where China was forced to pay reparations and open ports to British trade. Other examples include Japan's indemnity payments to the US after the Perry Expedition.
00;21;43;01 - 00;21;47;05
Speaker 1
What is the Perry Expedition?
00;21;47;07 - 00;22;08;07
Speaker 2
The Perry Expedition was a US naval mission led by Commodore Matthew Perry in 1853 to 1854. It forced Japan to open its ports to American trade, marking the end of Japan's isolationist era.
00;22;08;09 - 00;22;18;15
Speaker 1
So Western powers are setting up shop in China, and then when China tries to kick them out, they're being fined.
00;22;18;18 - 00;22;37;08
Speaker 2
That's correct. Western powers like Britain, France and the US expanded their influence in China. And when the Boxer Rebellion tried to expel them, China was forced to pay a massive indemnity, perpetuating foreign control and dominance.
00;22;37;11 - 00;22;44;15
Speaker 1
How were they forced? What threat?
00;22;44;17 - 00;23;08;27
Speaker 2
The China threat refers to the perceived threat posed by China's growing economic and military power, potentially challenging global stability and Western dominance. This concept meant to China's increasing influence in international relations, trade and geopolitics, sparking concerns among Western nations, particularly the United States.
00;23;08;29 - 00;23;29;05
Speaker 1
What I was saying is that these indemnity payments that Western powers imposed in China in the early 1900s, under what threat were these upheld?
00;23;29;07 - 00;23;55;12
Speaker 2
The Boxer Protocols indemnity payment was imposed under the threat of continued military occupation and potential partitioning of China by Western powers. This coercion forced China to accept harsh terms, including massive payments and territorial concessions.
00;23;55;15 - 00;24;04;11
Speaker 1
Okay, so what's happening in China after the Boxer Rebellion?
00;24;04;13 - 00;24;22;06
Speaker 2
After the Boxer Rebellion in 1899 to 1901, China was forced to pay a huge indemnity and accept foreign control over key sectors. This led to continued foreign dominance, internal strife, and eventually the fall of the Qing dynasty. In 1912.
00;24;22;09 - 00;24;25;14
Speaker 1
And then what?
00;24;25;16 - 00;24;44;07
Speaker 2
The fall of the Qing dynasty led to the establishment of the Republic of China in 1912, with Sun Yat sen as its first president. However, regional warlords and foreign powers continue to exert control, leading to ongoing instability.
00;24;44;10 - 00;24;57;02
Speaker 1
Okay, so now we are at the onset of World War One. Take me from there. Did they ally themselves with either power?
00;24;57;04 - 00;25;24;27
Speaker 2
China declared neutrality at first, but Japan's invasion led to China's entry into World War One on the Allied side in 1917. China contributed laborers and supplies, but its role was limited. The war weakened China's government, paving the way for warlord ism and communist rise.
00;25;24;29 - 00;25;32;20
Speaker 1
So China and Japan were both allied with the Western powers.
00;25;32;22 - 00;25;53;28
Speaker 2
China declared neutrality, but joined the allies in 1917. Japan, seeking to expand its empire, allied with the Western powers, specifically Britain, in 1902. This led to Japan's invasion of German colonies in Asia.
00;25;54;00 - 00;25;59;21
Speaker 1
So they were both on the same side of World War One.
00;25;59;23 - 00;26;22;26
Speaker 2
China and Japan were on the same side in WWI, but with different goals. China sought international recognition while Japan expanded its empire. Their alliance was uneasy and tensions simmered beneath the surface, setting the stage for future conflicts.
00;26;22;28 - 00;26;32;04
Speaker 1
Okay, so, take us through what is happening in China during World War One.
00;26;32;06 - 00;27;00;14
Speaker 2
Happy to explain. China declared neutrality, then joined the allies in 1917. Japan seized German colonies, expanding its empire. China's government weakened, warlords rose, and communism emerged. The Treaty of Versailles disappointed China, fueling nationalist sentiment and protests like the May 4th Movement.
00;27;00;17 - 00;27;06;04
Speaker 1
Tell me about the May 4th Movement.
00;27;06;07 - 00;27;31;24
Speaker 2
Great question. The May 4th movement was a student led protest in 1919, sparked by the Treaty of Versailles decision to transfer German concessions in China to Japan. It fueled nationalist sentiment, opposing foreign influence and promoting modernization, paving the way for communist and nationalist movements.
00;27;31;26 - 00;27;37;17
Speaker 1
Did China get anything in the treaty or sign?
00;27;37;19 - 00;28;00;25
Speaker 2
China gained nothing from the Treaty of Versailles, sparking widespread outrage. The treaty transferred German concessions in China to Japan, fueling nationalist sentiment and protests like the May 4th Movement. China's disappointment led to growing anti-Western and anti-Japanese sentiment.
00;28;00;28 - 00;28;10;00
Speaker 1
What are the two sides? In World War One, called as the allies and the axis.
00;28;10;03 - 00;28;32;23
Speaker 2
The two main sides in World War One are the allies and the Central Powers. The allies include France, Britain, Russia, and the U.S., while the Central Powers include Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire.
00;28;32;25 - 00;28;38;27
Speaker 1
Why did Japan get all of Germany's assets and not China?
00;28;39;00 - 00;28;58;10
Speaker 2
Happy to explain. Japan got Germany's assets in China due to its military victories and strategic alliances. The Treaty of Versailles transferred German concessions to Japan, ignoring China's claims. This fueled Chinese outrage, protests and anti-Japanese sentiment.
00;28;58;12 - 00;29;02;16
Speaker 1
You know, why didn't China get anything?
00;29;02;18 - 00;29;25;07
Speaker 2
China wanted to reclaim its sovereignty and territory. It had been forced to grant concessions to Germany, and now it's thought their return. However, Japan's military victories and strategic alliances led to the Treaty of Versailles, granting them to Japan instead.
00;29;25;10 - 00;29;31;23
Speaker 1
Right. But why was China left?
00;29;31;26 - 00;29;54;29
Speaker 2
China was left out because Japan had seized German concessions in China during the war, and the Treaty of Versailles recognized Japan's claims, ignoring China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. This fueled Chinese outrage and anti-Japanese sentiment.
00;29;55;02 - 00;30;03;24
Speaker 1
Was China unable to seize these German concessions, or to Japan just beat them to the punch?
00;30;03;27 - 00;30;21;13
Speaker 2
China was weak and divided. Unable to resist Japan's military expansion, the Treaty of Versailles prioritized Japan's interests, ignoring China's claims. This fueled Chinese nationalism and resentment towards Japan.
00;30;21;16 - 00;30;28;11
Speaker 1
What were the German concessions inside of China that Japan seized?
00;30;28;11 - 00;30;52;23
Speaker 2
Germany had concessions in Tianjin, Hankou and Qingdao controlling railways, mines and trade. Japan sees these in 1914, and the Treaty of Versailles transferred them to Japan, fueling Chinese resentment.
00;30;52;26 - 00;30;59;11
Speaker 1
And then, what happened in China after World War One?
00;30;59;13 - 00;31;20;11
Speaker 2
Good question. China was disappointed by the Treaty of Versailles. Anti-Japanese protests erupted, sparking the May 4th Movement, which fueled Chinese nationalism and calls for modernization. China's weak government struggled to resist foreign influence, leading to warlord ism and instability.
00;31;20;13 - 00;31;24;01
Speaker 1
And how long did this last?
00;31;24;03 - 00;31;49;02
Speaker 2
The May 4th movement marked the start of China's tumultuous modern era. Warlord ism lasted until 1928, when Chiang Kai shek unified much of China. However, instability continued until the Communist Party took control in 1949.
00;31;49;04 - 00;32;01;20
Speaker 1
Okay, so, now, well, let's touch on the Koreas a little bit.
00;32;01;22 - 00;32;21;24
Speaker 2
Japan annexed Korea in 1910, and during World War One, Korea was a major supplier of labor and resources to Japan. After the war, the March 1st movement demanded Korean independence. But Japan cracked down, leading to decades of oppression.
00;32;21;26 - 00;32;31;04
Speaker 1
Okay, I think, the Koreas deserve their own episode. So let's go to India.
00;32;31;07 - 00;32;53;24
Speaker 2
India contributed troops to the British war effort. The Indian National Congress demanded self-rule, and Mahatma Gandhi emerged as a leader. The Amritsar massacre in 1919 and the non-cooperation movement in 1920 to 1922 fueled India's struggle for independence.
00;32;53;27 - 00;33;05;01
Speaker 1
Let's talk about pre-World War One India. I'd like you to give me just some context and put this in there.
00;33;05;03 - 00;33;27;03
Speaker 2
India was a British colony with the British Raj governing the subcontinent. The Indian National Congress, founded in 1885, demanded reforms and self-rule. Indians like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Lala Lajpat Ry led the early nationalist movement.
00;33;27;06 - 00;33;38;18
Speaker 1
It's kind of crazy to think that a little country like Britain took over all of India and made it a colony.
00;33;38;21 - 00;34;17;09
Speaker 2
Britain is Britain's East India Company, expanded through strategic alliances, military victories and administrative efficiency. By 1857, the British Crown took direct control, ruling India for nearly a century through a mix of coercion, co-optation and cultural influence.
00;34;17;12 - 00;34;24;20
Speaker 1
How did the British, colonize all of India?
00;34;24;22 - 00;34;45;07
Speaker 2
Let me think. The British East India Company established a foothold in India in the 17th century through strategic alliances, military victories, and administrative efficiency. They expanded control. The British Crown took direct control in 1857, ruling India for nearly a century.
00;34;45;10 - 00;34;53;23
Speaker 1
Is the India how we see it on the map now defined by the British era?
00;34;53;25 - 00;35;14;04
Speaker 2
Let me see. The modern Indian states borders were largely defined by the British Empire. The British Indian Empire included present day India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and parts of Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar. India's post-independence borders have undergone some changes.
00;35;14;07 - 00;35;20;25
Speaker 1
What does British colonization of India look like?
00;35;20;27 - 00;35;25;11
Speaker 2
Good question.
00;35;25;13 - 00;35;33;19
Speaker 2
Okay, take a look. You want me to imagine another one?
00;35;33;21 - 00;35;46;28
Speaker 1
No, but that's pretty cool. You're showing me a picture of what that would have been.
00;35;47;00 - 00;35;52;27
Speaker 2
Here you go.
00;35;52;29 - 00;36;12;25
Speaker 1
So now we see a old timey picture of some people hanging in, like, is it is that courtyard what India would have looked like back then?
00;36;12;27 - 00;36;18;01
Speaker 2
Check it out. Anything you want to change.
00;36;18;04 - 00;36;24;07
Speaker 1
No, you're kind of going off the rails here, but that's a cool feature.
00;36;24;09 - 00;36;40;04
Speaker 2
I'm glad you think so. To get back on track. British colonization of India involved the East India Company expansion, followed by Crown rule. India was a major contributor to the British Empire's economy and power.
00;36;40;06 - 00;36;46;04
Speaker 1
Was this a quasi symbiotic relationship with British Coal?
00;36;46;06 - 00;37;03;16
Speaker 2
The British colonization of India was a complex, exploitative relationship. Britain extracted resources, imposed its culture, and suppressed Indian traditions, causing economic decline and cultural loss, but also influencing India's modernization and nationalism.
00;37;03;18 - 00;37;07;23
Speaker 1
What did India get out of that?
00;37;07;26 - 00;37;37;03
Speaker 2
India gained infrastructure like railways, roads and ports, as well as modern institutions, education and law. However, this came at the cost of economic exploitation, cultural suppression and loss of sovereignty, ultimately fueling India's struggle for independence.
00;37;37;05 - 00;37;51;18
Speaker 1
What was the, I guess, the thoughts of the Indian people on World War One? It's a lot of people, obviously, but.
00;37;51;20 - 00;38;18;05
Speaker 2
India contributed 1.7 million troops to World War One, with 47,000 killed and 65,000 wounded. Indian soldiers fought in France, the Middle East and Africa, earning numerous honors. This contribution helped spark India's independence movement.
00;38;18;08 - 00;38;26;19
Speaker 1
So India was technically part of the British Empire then?
00;38;26;21 - 00;38;49;00
Speaker 2
In 1914, India was a British colony. The British Raj ruled the subcontinent, exploiting its resources and suppressing nationalist movements. India's contribution to World War One was significant, with 1.7 million troops fighting on behalf of the British Empire.
00;38;49;02 - 00;38;49;18
Unknown
And when the.
00;38;49;18 - 00;38;54;05
Speaker 1
War ended, they were still part of the British Empire.
00;38;54;08 - 00;39;21;11
Speaker 2
India remained a British colony after World War One. The British government introduced reforms, but India's independence movement gained momentum. Mahatma Gandhi led nonviolent protests, and India eventually gained independence on August 15th, 1947.
00;39;21;13 - 00;39;26;26
Speaker 1
So they were still a British colony during World War Two.
00;39;26;29 - 00;39;54;22
Speaker 2
India remained a British colony during World War Two. The British Raj declared war on Germany and India contributed 2.5 million troops. India's independence movement continued with Mahatma Gandhi's Quit India movement in 1942, calling for British withdrawal.
00;39;54;24 - 00;40;00;14
Speaker 1
So what was happening in the Middle East during World War One?
00;40;00;17 - 00;40;29;13
Speaker 2
Well, the Middle East was a major theater in World War one. The Ottoman Empire, which controlled much of the region, entered the war on the side of the Central Powers. Britain and France, seeking to expand their colonial empires, launched campaigns against the Ottomans, leading to the Arab Revolt and the eventual collapse of the Ottoman Empire. The war's end saw the redrawing of the region's borders, with the British and French establishing mandates over various territories.
00;40;29;15 - 00;40;43;09
Speaker 2
This period laid the groundwork for the region's modern political landscape.
00;40;43;11 - 00;40;57;10
Speaker 1
Can you go into detail about how the end of the war and British and French colonization define the modern landscape of Middle East?
00;40;57;12 - 00;41;14;22
Speaker 2
The Sykes-Picot agreement, secretly negotiated by Britain and France, divided the Middle East into spheres of influence, creating modern day borders. The agreement disregarded local aspirations, sparking resentment and contributing to ongoing regional tensions.
00;41;14;25 - 00;41;24;29
Speaker 1
Okay, can you expand on this and give me specific countries, modern countries, and how they were divided up?
00;41;25;01 - 00;41;44;17
Speaker 2
The Sykes-Picot agreement divided the Middle East into British and French spheres of influence. Modern day countries were created, including Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Jordan and Israel. The agreement ignored local aspirations, sparking long term regional tensions and conflicts.
00;41;44;19 - 00;41;49;13
Speaker 1
Which ones were British and which ones are French?
00;41;49;15 - 00;42;05;15
Speaker 2
Britain controlled Iraq, Jordan and Palestine. France controlled Syria and Lebanon. These spheres of influence became mandates after World War One. Shaping the modern Middle East's borders and politics.
00;42;05;17 - 00;42;10;15
Speaker 1
Lebanon does sound like a French name.
00;42;10;17 - 00;42;30;20
Speaker 2
Lebanon was a French mandate from 1920 to 1946. France influenced its politics, culture and economy, shaping Lebanon's modern identity. Today, Lebanon is an independent republic with a diverse culture and complex politics.
00;42;30;22 - 00;42;42;08
Speaker 1
So does this mean that the people of Middle East had no control over the modern borders that exist today?
00;42;42;10 - 00;43;03;23
Speaker 2
The Middle East modern borders were imposed by Britain and France after World War One, disregarding local aspirations. Today, many people in the region feel that these borders are artificial and do not reflect their cultural, ethnic or national identities.
00;43;03;25 - 00;43;17;25
Speaker 1
Can you expand on, giving maybe some detail on sentiment of certain peoples in certain regions?
00;43;17;27 - 00;43;48;13
Speaker 2
Many in the Middle East view their borders as artificial, imposed by colonial powers. Kurds, for example, are divided among Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Syria, fueling nationalist sentiment. Arabs in Israel's Golan Heights also feel disconnected from their Syrian heritage.
00;43;48;16 - 00;43;53;05
Speaker 1
Okay. Is there anything else you'd like to share on that subject?
00;43;53;07 - 00;44;11;21
Speaker 2
The artificial borders have led to regional tensions, identity crises, and ongoing conflicts. Many people in the Middle East feel a sense of disconnection from their cultural heritage and national identity. Due to these imposed borders.
00;44;11;24 - 00;44;14;26
Speaker 1
And explains a lot.
00;44;14;28 - 00;44;33;10
Speaker 2
The artificial borders have had a lasting impact on the Middle East, fueling tensions and identity crises. Many people feel disconnected from their cultural heritage and national identity due to these imposed borders, contributing to ongoing conflicts in the region.
00;44;33;12 - 00;44;39;27
Speaker 1
Okay, so what are we missing? Maybe Mongolia.
00;44;40;00 - 00;45;01;10
Speaker 2
Mongolia declared independence from China in 1911, but was later occupied by China. In 1921, Mongolia gained independence with Soviet backing, becoming a socialist state. It maintained close ties with the Soviet Union until its Democratic revolution in 1990.
00;45;01;13 - 00;45;08;10
Speaker 1
Okay, so tell me about what Mongolia was up to. Leading up to World War One.
00;45;08;12 - 00;45;30;05
Speaker 2
Happy to explain. Mongolia sought independence from China in 1911. It declared autonomy, but China's influence remained. Mongolia then sought Russian and Japanese support, but ultimately aligned with China during World War One. Declaring neutrality.
00;45;30;08 - 00;45;34;27
Speaker 1
Did Mongolia remain neutral throughout the war?
00;45;35;00 - 00;45;55;01
Speaker 2
Good question. Mongolia declared neutrality in 1914. However, it was occupied by Chinese troops and later in 1918 by the Russian White Army. Mongolia's neutrality was compromised, but it avoided direct involvement in World War One.
00;45;55;03 - 00;45;57;23
Speaker 1
And then,
00;45;57;25 - 00;46;23;24
Speaker 2
Then when Mongolia's neutrality was compromised by occupation in 1921, Mongolian revolutionaries backed by the Soviet Union expelled Chinese forces, establishing the Mongolian People's Republic. This marked Mongolia's transition to a socialist state closely aligned with the Soviet Union.
00;46;23;26 - 00;46;32;28
Speaker 1
Okay, that gives me a pretty good picture of what was happening in Asia during World War One.
00;46;33;01 - 00;46;54;17
Speaker 2
Asia's World War One landscape was complex. Japan expanded its empire, seizing German territories. China's neutrality was tested while India contributed troops to the British war effort. Mongolia declared neutrality, but was occupied by Chinese and Russian forces.
00;46;54;19 - 00;47;09;20
Speaker 1
Okay, cool. Thanks. I think that's a bit about it. For the day or for the end of this episode. Is there any covering? Is there anything that you haven't said yet that you would like to add before we end?
00;47;09;22 - 00;47;25;15
Speaker 2
We covered Asia's World War One landscape. One more thing. The war marked the beginning of the end of European colonial empires in Asia, setting the stage for nationalist movements and decolonization.
00;47;25;18 - 00;47;28;23
Speaker 1
Okay. Thanks, madam.
00;47;28;25 - 00;47;39;23
Speaker 2
You're welcome. It was a pleasure exploring World War I's Asian theater with you. If you have more questions or topics, feel free to ask me any time. Have a great day.
00;47;39;25 - 00;47;41;02
Speaker 1
Peace.