The ‘Vasco Da Gama Epoch’ represents the move by Vasco Da Gama that made most of the European countries believe that he had discovered Asia. The Vasco Da Gama Epoch led to the European dominance in Asia and consequently the colonization in many parts of the continent. However, with time, many of the colonies started leaving the continent but the British rule in India encouraged the continuation of European dominance (Darwin 451). However, the end of British rule meant European dominance would soon end due to a number of reasons. This paper analyzes Charles Darwing’s claim that “The end of British rule in India in 1947 and the withdrawal two years later of Europe’s navies from China marked the end of the ‘Vasco da Gama’ epoch in Asian history.”
I agree with the argument for several reasons. First, the end of the British rule in India signified the wake of Indians and other Asians to self identify. The beginning of the European dominance in India, just like in other African and Asian nations, was the fact that they had discovered something new about them (Kapuscinski 125). However, the end of the British rule in India in 1947 Showed that the Asian people had known their identity and they were ready to take their chances and fight for the leadership of the continent.
The end of the British rule in India also signified the culmination of European tenures in Asia. The other European powers definitely got shaken by the move and this signified a technical power imbalance among the colonies. The fact that Britain was ending their rule in one of their most valued Asian colonies meant that the other Asian countries would soon learn the secret and trick to use in order to flash the Europeans out. It also ended the famous ‘Vasco Da Gama Epoch’ in Asian history because it marks the tenure of self governance among the Asian people. The Asian were arguably ready to rule their land and the European countries had one option to move out of Asia.
In 1949, the European navies were pulled back from china. This was seamlessly an expected move that marked the acceptance by Europe that they could no longer control Asia. Two years earlier, most of the European countries had ended their rule in the continent and the naval freedom also signified the end of the European dominance. It showed that the European nations were ready to allow Asia to rebuild. Although colonization had improved some sectors, it was time for the continent to rebuild independently. The withdrawal of the naval rule showed that the European countries recognized the ability of China to secure her people and the need to limit their interference with her security details.
However, I also disagree with the statement slightly. To a large extent, the statement is true but for one fact. The end of the European dominance in Asia did not only occur when the British rule ended and when the European countries withdrew their troops from China. The end was long coming with the enlightenment of the Asian people. Most of the Asians got western education during the colonial times and learnt of the perception of Europe towards them. This made them have zeal, just like other colonized nations world over to fight for their freedom.
The withdrawal of British activities India and European navies from china in 1949 signified the end of the British dominance in Asian history because it showed the ability of the people to rule their land. It also showed that the powerful nations were backing off and the rest would follow suit. Moreover, it showed that the European countries further recognized the ability of the people on independence and they were ready to give them freedom. However, it is fair to say that education also played a major part in enlightenment of the people.
Works Cited
Darwin, John. After Tamerlane : The Global History Of Empire Since 1405 / John Darwin. n.p.: New York : Bloomsbury Press : Distributed to the trade by Macmillan, 2008., 2008.
Kapuscinski , Ryszard. “Another Day of life.” Ryszard KapuścińskiKlara Glowczewska Katarzyna Mroczkowska-Brand, and William Brand. Poland 1976.
