This chapter covers the history of East and Southeast Asia from the earliest times till the end of World War II. It discusses the rise of civilization in these areas, the origins of Confucian ideology as well as the introduction of Buddhism and Islam, and the emergence and high points of Confucian, Hinduised, Buddhist and Islamic states. It then discusses the beginnings of Western influence and 'the age of commerce'. Finally, there is description and analysis of colonialism and imperialism, and the subsequent rise of various forms of nationalism.