- The greater reliance on force to create new political structures was also evident in the island world, where it had been an integral part of European intrusion into the area. -In Cebu in 1565 to find their peaceful overtures rejected, they opened fire on the local settlement.
•In the early years of Spanish colonization natives were often compelled to submit and accept Christianity, with the alternative frequently being death or enslavement.
•In the Indonesian areas the Dutch used even more force to attain their goal of commercial dominance and to provide 'an example' to native kings. With a charter which enabled it to act virtually as a sovereign state, the power of the VOC was made dramatically clear within a few years of its arrival.
•The commercial competition which was a major reason for the European presence also encouraged local states to increase their control over people and resources.