Regarding Central and Eastern Asia and Latin America:
Central Asia was part of the Russian Empire, which essentially makes it a colony.
East Asia, particularly China, is an interesting case study, as it was not divided up into colonies but spheres of influence — areas where nations would have exclusive trading rights. Japan, France, Britain, Germany and Russia all had them, most often centering upon small, prosperous outposts that each nation controlled: the French had Zhangjiang, Britain Hong Kong, Germany Qingdao, Russia Port Arthur, and Japan Taiwan. China was, if we all recall, for centuries the world's most advanced and powerful nation, but a policy of isolationism and "self-containment" at the end of the Ming Dynasty led to stagnation.
It is only in more recent history that Latin America became, in essence, an American sphere of influence. For many years Europe was Latin America's biggest trading partner, a case in point being Britain and Argentina.
Socially and economically, Latin American nations essentially screwed themselves over from the second they became independent: with the exception of Haiti, wealthy Creole aristocrats still controlled most of the land and power, ensuring that for many years their nations' economies relied on th export of raw materials as opposed to industrialization, which they left to entrepreneurialism and foreign investment which built up a heavy debt. The Creoles resented the urban working and middle classes and fought to uphold the status quo for as long as possible. When the trade balance finally shifted to the United States, where there was not as much demand for Argentine beef or Colombian coffee, the Creoles were essentially f*cked and suffered economically as a result, and that suffering continues to this day.
Central Asia was part of the Russian Empire, which essentially makes it a colony.
East Asia, particularly China, is an interesting case study, as it was not divided up into colonies but spheres of influence — areas where nations would have exclusive trading rights. Japan, France, Britain, Germany and Russia all had them, most often centering upon small, prosperous outposts that each nation controlled: the French had Zhangjiang, Britain Hong Kong, Germany Qingdao, Russia Port Arthur, and Japan Taiwan. China was, if we all recall, for centuries the world's most advanced and powerful nation, but a policy of isolationism and "self-containment" at the end of the Ming Dynasty led to stagnation.
It is only in more recent history that Latin America became, in essence, an American sphere of influence. For many years Europe was Latin America's biggest trading partner, a case in point being Britain and Argentina.
Socially and economically, Latin American nations essentially screwed themselves over from the second they became independent: with the exception of Haiti, wealthy Creole aristocrats still controlled most of the land and power, ensuring that for many years their nations' economies relied on th export of raw materials as opposed to industrialization, which they left to entrepreneurialism and foreign investment which built up a heavy debt. The Creoles resented the urban working and middle classes and fought to uphold the status quo for as long as possible. When the trade balance finally shifted to the United States, where there was not as much demand for Argentine beef or Colombian coffee, the Creoles were essentially f*cked and suffered economically as a result, and that suffering continues to this day.
by Bunga Bunga September 25, 2004
Derived from a time when the communist states were referred to as the second world, the third world is the less economically developed countries that hugely rely on richer countries
by Cheese King April 24, 2006
Profanity mumbled to oneself when dealing with any form of unefficiency, deception, incompetence, malfunction, desillusion, ignorance, shortage, exasperation or failure.
The inspectors knew the bridge would collapse but they did nothing. Third world.
I've been waiting in line for 6 hours to get in. Fucking third world.
You only have a dial-up connection? Are you third world fucking kidding?
That amazing giant chewbacca hologram promotion is only available in the US and Japan? Fuck three third of the world.
I've been waiting in line for 6 hours to get in. Fucking third world.
You only have a dial-up connection? Are you third world fucking kidding?
That amazing giant chewbacca hologram promotion is only available in the US and Japan? Fuck three third of the world.
by Edgar Pruviance May 29, 2009
a name that is used for a friend that is from a country that is not up to stardards of the western world.
by Souvannarath December 08, 2008
by Bjork September 26, 2004
Contrary to the poison jb be preachin', many of the third world, or ledc as they are now known were not part of any european empires. Take a look at central and eastern asia, par example.
Also, the countries that were conquested were left in no worse condition than found. Full of tribal conflicts and such. Some, particularly the ones that were released early have done well.
Might also be worth reminding users that south america was once part of a poorly executed empire started by the usa a little over a century ago.
Also, the countries that were conquested were left in no worse condition than found. Full of tribal conflicts and such. Some, particularly the ones that were released early have done well.
Might also be worth reminding users that south america was once part of a poorly executed empire started by the usa a little over a century ago.
Third world countries such as south africa, the united states, canada, greenland, austrailia and nz can blame thier fortunes on Europe.
by Kung-Fu Jesus June 07, 2004
When you go over a friends house who may be less fortunate than you, and the water bottle brand he gives you is unheard of.
Person: Hey I'm thirsty. Can I have a bottle of water?
Friend: Sure! Here's some indigo dolphin spring water!
Person: I'm not drinking your third world water. Buy Poland Spring.
Friend: Sure! Here's some indigo dolphin spring water!
Person: I'm not drinking your third world water. Buy Poland Spring.
by Walter the whale March 03, 2015