Malaysia's history starts generally around the establishment of the Malacca sultanate. During the 13th century, it was renowned as a major port for traders from both east and west.Following this time, events developing in China and the Roman Empire motivated Indian traders to seek a new port for their rich trade. Malacca was chosen, based mainly on its advantageous location -- it was sheltered from strong monsoon winds, thus the port was able to operate year-round. Spices and other precious goods were the main commodities traded at this new port, which flourished as the world's new major maritime trade point, especially for Indian, Arab and Chinese traders. Malacca's profitable position was envied by many and resulted in the Portuguese invasion in 1511. Later, in 1641, the Dutch defeated the Portuguese and reigned until 1815 when the British Empire took over. In 1826, the British ruled and consolidated Penang, Singapore and Malacca under one administration unit called the Colony of the Straits Settlement. After World War II, there was a resurgence of Malayan nationalism leading to the Declaration of Independence for the Federation of Malaya from the British Empire on August 31, 1957. This movement was led by Tunku Abdul Rahman, who later became Malaysia's first Prime Minister. Malaysia, at the time, comprised 13 states (including Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak) and two federal territories were formed in 1963. This formation was opposed by neighboring Indonesia, which resulted in a confrontation with the large Asian nation. The conflict ended with the fall of Indonesia's President Sukarno a year later. Singapore later withdrew from the Federation in 1965.
