ABSTRACT
EUROPEAN EXPANSION TO 1757 The Portuguese initiated the era of Western colonization in Asia from the early 1500s, establishing settlements in Goa, India by the end of the century; Melaka, in Malaysia; the Maluku Islands, in Indonesia; Macau, China; and Nagasaki, Japan. The Portuguese relied on “gunpowder colonialism,” initially making use of their superior weaponry and ships. However, they were unable to monopolize Asia’s trade, especially the profitable spice trade.
