Under these circumstances, transcontinental mobility could change their individual-and perhaps even collective-destiny. In the colonies, any movement, especially to the ruling countries, was closely regulated. Newfound mobility and opportunitiesīeyond the Eurocentric vision of them as mere subordinate auxiliary forces serving the colonial powers, these workers and soldiers were also men of action, who took an exceptional opportunity to travel very long distances. These sources make it possible to trace the individual stories of soldiers, workers, diplomats and students, revealing their discoveries and amazements, hopes and disappointments, day by day.
![when news of the european war reached the usa when news of the european war reached the usa](https://idsb.tmgrup.com.tr/ly/uploads/images/2020/05/08/thumbs/800x531/34645.jpg)
But what are the sources for writing a history from their point of view, for describing their first encounter with Europe and Europeans in an unfamiliar cultural environment and a difficult context, whether in the trenches or the munitions factories? Beyond the locals’ curiosity for these newly-arrived “exotic” populations, letters seized by military censors, diaries and written and visual archives offer insights into the experience of these Asians in Europe.