To order the points you provided historically, we might consider how they relate to one another chronologically and thematically. Here's a structured sequence:
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D. Europe sent explorers and merchants along the Silk Road and across the Indian Ocean: This sets the context for early European engagement with Asia and the foundations of trade routes that would later contribute to colonial expansion.
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B. European nations colonized countries in Southeast Asia: Following the exploration phase, European powers established colonies in Southeast Asia, exploiting its resources and geopolitical advantages.
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A. World War II broke out in Europe as well as in East Asia and Southeast Asia: The outbreak of WWII changed the global power dynamics and severely impacted colonial holdings, particularly in Southeast Asia.
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C. Nations in Southeast Asia demanded and won independence: After the war, the weakened state of European powers led to a rise in nationalist movements in Southeast Asia, resulting in countries achieving independence.
This order reflects the progression from early exploration, to colonization, through the disruption of World War II, and finally to the rise of independence movements.