Rise of Nationalism & Communism in Asia (1957)

Synopsis

Nationalism” is a circa 1957 Encyclopedia Brittanica educational film. The narrator defines nationalism (mark 02:07 ) as the belief of a people that they ought to be unified into an independent nation. “A homeland.” We learn of the control over Asian nations by European forces in the 19th century, known as colonialism, which forced residents to become second-class citizens. Utilizing the region for its natural resources and strategic benefits, colonial leaders also imported their own leadership and legal systems — often restricting natives’ rights (mark 05:04 ). The narrator explains, however, that the European leaders also benefited the colonies through improved medical facilities and education. At mark 06:00 we learn how Southeast Asian nations, having fought in World War II and seen what independence as a nation has to offer, began to resist the notion of any outside control. Burmese nationalists are shown squabbling with British forces at mark 06:25, eventually leading to independence in that nation. Similar events are shown playing out in Indonesia (mark 06:40 ), although Communism also took control in some regions such as Vietnam (mark 07:30 ), leading to the creation of North and South Vietnam, in addition to the creation of Laos and Cambodia. Some countries, such as Malaya, welcomed back their British leaders (mark 09:12 ), mainly due to the three racial groups in the country (Malays, Chinese, and Indians) mistrusting each other and their power. In 1957, the country…

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Details

Running time

16 minutes

Language

English

Collection

Ephemeral Films

Subjects on the Internet Archive

• Stock Footage