AD 1500-1800

This period was marked by increasing contact with Europe. Initially this took the form of trade, but in some regions such as South Asia this developed into direct colonial rule. Most of western and south Asia at this time was ruled by Islamic dynasties: the Ottomans (Middle East), the Safavids (Iran) and the Mughals (India).

By 1600, the Ming dynasty ruled the largest and most advanced nation in the world. In 1644 however, Manchurians from Central Asia invaded and set up the Qing dynasty. Under the Qing trade, arts, and crafts were encouraged and the empire expanded. Maritime trade with the West increased but was strictly controlled.

From around 1575 Japan gradually became unified and in 1615 the Tokugawa clan took power. This was a time of peace and economic expansion and although trade was restricted, goods and ideas from the outside were eagerly received.

In Korea the Chosŏn dynasty survived despite major obstacles such as Japanese invasions in the 1590s and Manchu invasions in the 1630s. In Southeast Asia many political, economic, social, and religious changes occurred. Trade expanded and as a result, large cities grew up and European-controlled areas developed. Despite continued divisions, by the mid-18th century Southeast Asia was more united and hierarchically organised than it had been before.