UNITED STATES - SOUTHEAST ASIAN RELATIONS, 1780S-1980S

The long period of United States-Southeast Asian relations can roughly be divided into three periods, from the 1780s to 1945, 1945 to 1969, and 1969 to the 1980s. The relations of the first period were flimsy and sporadic because of the European domination in the region. But the United States could manage to expand its colonial power in the Philippines, cultural power in Thailand and economic power in the Netherlands Indies or Indonesia.; The relationship of the second period was characterized by America's deep cold war involvement in the region. The life of Southeast Asian people was affected by increased American influence and aid.; American involvement and influence in the region decreased as a result of its rapprochement with China in the beginning of the 1970s. Southeast Asia divided into two blocs--ASEAN and Indochinese countries. ASEAN became a center of American relation with the region. ASEAN prospered economically and received American assistance.; The educational component of the dissertation introduces a new approach for the teaching of history to Thai university students. The new approach emphasizes the practical skills in the areas of historical method and writing. Historical account is also integrated into the process of developing students' skills in historical method and writing.