Decide whether you are judging governing power, living conditions or political participation. Each question needs different evidence.
Choose the claim you want to investigate.
Colonial control became stronger
- Campaigns extended authority beyond Java.
- Local offices could continue under Dutch supervision.
A local ruler could collect taxes and enforce instructions for the Dutch. Keeping him in office could help the colonial state govern.
Examine what rulers and officials could actually decide in the place concerned; arrangements and resistance varied.
People became better off
- Exports and investment expanded.
- Labour obligations and access to land were unequal.
More sales could benefit owners without improving workers' pay or freedom. Compare the conditions of the groups in the claim.
An export total does not show how income, risks or choices were divided among households.
Local participation increased
- Educated groups developed organisations.
- A limited Volksraad operated under colonial authority.
Organisations and a council gave some people more ways to pursue shared aims, while the Dutch retained final governing authority.
Being able to speak or join a council was not the same as having equal voting rights or control of government.