History of the collapse of the Dutch East Indies

Dutch fall when the world entered the second World War in May 1940, when the German army invaded and launched a lightning war. After fighting for four days, the Dutch royal army surrendered on May 15. The previous day, the queen and the royal Dutch government has left the country to flee to London. Dutch unexpectedly had to fight alone.

The collapse of the Dutch East Indies 1940-1942

Japan's attack on the Dutch East Indies is not an unfounded threat. A number of reasons may be a factor driving the invasion. Japan does not have sufficient resources to support the industrial and economic progress since the launching of the Meiji restoration in the 19th century. Therefore Japan is very dependent on the supply from countries abundant in natural resources.

1. The Negotiations Failed

Before the invasion of Japan, in February 1940, the Japanese ambassador in The Hague filed a lawsuit against the Dutch. The request includes Japan and the East Indies trade should diitingkatkan. In addition, Japan wants crude oil and bauxite, more and more citizens and Japanese companies are allowed to move in the colony, the Dutch East Indies and the press should be forbidden to publish the anti-Japanese bersemangatkan.

Dutch government who are in refuge in London to answer the demands of Japan in early June 1940. colonial government to supply more bauxite, although not as much as requested by the Japanese, but not promising additional oil shipments, because the Japanese government has not made a deal with the previous mining exploration company. Other rejected Japanese demands. However, the Japanese did not surrender. Negotiations that lasted for months. Dutch parties are very weak because of the country is under occupation of enemy aircraft, and there is no guarantee that surely can provide assistance if unexpected circumstances occur. Also help Britain and America could not be ascertained. America talks that raised concerns because if the demands are met, then the strength and intentions of Japan will increase its expansion will be more clearly manifested. But anxiety is not justified because the governor general of the Dutch East Indies Tjarda Van Starkenborgh rejected all the demands of Japan. But Japan's response to the decision to declare war.

2. War of the Dutch East Indies and Japan

The main target of the Japanese invasion of the Dutch East Indies was drilling for oil in Tarakan, Balikpapan, and Palembang. Forward movement was made possible after the Dutch defense in the North of the island of Sulawesi, had been paralyzed on December 26, 1941. Destruction of oil drilling installations at Tarakan to be a major problem for Japan. To ensure that the action does not happen again, two Dutch officers were sent to Balikpapan with a warning message, that all soldiers and civilians would be killed if the Japanese did not acquire mining installations in the city in one piece. The next target is Palembang, crude oil source that produces half the entire production of the Dutch East Indies. Japan tried to prevent sabotage by commandos launched a surprise attack.