European influence in Southeast Asia was stronger in Malay Peninsula and Indonesian Archipelago because?

1: These states did not have strong central monarchies.
2: These states had fewer goods to trade.
3: These states were Christian
4: These states needed slaves.

My answer is #1...Is this correct

In southeast Asia, European influence

Was mostly limited to the Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian Archipelago...is this correct?

I believe you're right.

Thank you very much!!

You're very welcome.

Yes, your answer is correct. The European influence in Southeast Asia was indeed stronger in the Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian Archipelago. The main reason for this is that these regions did not have strong central monarchies, which made it easier for European powers to establish a presence and exert influence.

To determine why this was the case, it is important to understand the historical context. During the era of European colonization, various European powers, such as the British, Dutch, Spanish, and Portuguese, were vying for control of territories and resources around the world. Southeast Asia, including the Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian Archipelago, was strategically located and rich in resources, which attracted European interest.

In many parts of Southeast Asia, particularly in the Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian Archipelago, there were fragmented political systems and weaker centralized monarchies. This provided an opportunity for European powers to exploit divisions and establish their presence more easily. They often entered into alliances with local rulers or gained control over trade routes, resources, and territories through wars, treaties, and economic agreements.

On the other hand, other regions in Southeast Asia, such as mainland Southeast Asia (including present-day Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam), had stronger centralized monarchies that were better able to resist or negotiate with European powers. Additionally, areas with stronger native empires, like the Burmese kingdom in Myanmar, were more successful in maintaining their independence and limiting European influence.

Therefore, the absence of strong central monarchies in the Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian Archipelago made them more susceptible to European interference and control, leading to a stronger European influence in these regions compared to other parts of Southeast Asia.