Mongkut and the Modernization Wave of the 19th Century

A 19th century Thai King, despite lacking youth, embraced modernization and all in the name of his Kingdom's independence. But he did not act alone, across Asia and Africa, many countries, facing the same imperialist threat, undertook the painful decision. This wave of modernization, however, faced mixed results with some success and many failures.

Table of Contents

1. What Reforms did Mongkut Introduced?

2. Wave of Modernization

A. Imperial Playbook and Argument

B. The Counter Argument and Movement

3. Behind Successes and Failures

4. Summing Up

Menelik II: Ethiopian Independence and Modernization

Menelik II

In 1885, the Berlin Conference resulted to the infamous Scramble for Africa. European imperialism devoured all of Africa. Even a tiny European state, like Belgium, acquired territories in the African continent larger than their own. However, in the Horn of Africa, one Kingdom stand tall among others. Abyssinia (modern day Ethiopia) managed to defend itself from the clutches of the Europeans. Credited of this defense was the modernization efforts of its ruler – Menelik II. 

Arabs Love Affair of Coffee

Arab Coffee Merchants (Credit: BBC)

Coffee said to have, according to legends, originated from a goat herder in the Ethiopian province of Kaffa. The mysterious hyperactivity of goats led to the discovery of coffee berries that provided extraordinary energy. Ethiopia back then was just a boat ride away to the Strait of Aden before going to Arabian Peninsula. So it came as no surprise that the Arabs tasted coffee and spread it throughout the Islamic world.

Dancing Goats and Origin of Coffee

Illustration of Kaldi and his goats

The coffee industry generated billions of dollars of profit. A caffeinated drink that powered billions of men and women driving the economy forward. The Baltics states and the Netherlands consumed the most coffee with their citizens drinking about 4 cups of coffee every day. According to the International Coffee Organization, the worldwide production of coffee in 2013 amounted to over 169 million bags. The whole world's love for coffee began with some goats and an Ethiopian goat herder.