history sec2

8/4/2019 History Sec2

1/23

History

Chapter 1: was there Singapore before 1819?

The Singapore stone:

Located at the mouth of the Singapore River

Measures 3 metres high and wide- Found 150 years ago.

Writing dated back to the 12th or 13th centuries

Writing shows that people of those days could read and write but in a different language from us today.

The Serajah Melayu:

Tells of life in the 13 th and 14th centuries

Singapore was called Temasek, meant sea port or sea town

Singapore was founded by a ruler from Sumatra, Palembang inSumatra, renaming Temasek Singapura

meaning Lion City (the guywas Sang Nila Utama)

Singapore grew into a triving trading centre under the leadership of

Sang Nila Utama and his descendents, even the Majapahit empire wanted to seize Singapore for its own.

So the wall of the fort stretched from the sea to the wall called Bukit Larangan, now known as Fort Canning Hill.

Daoyi Zhi Lue (Description of the Barbarians of the Isles)

Travel Accounts by Wang Da yuan, visiting Singapore during the 14th centuries

Singapore was a great and famous place, many foreigners visited it.The Chinese trading ships had to sail through

a dragons teeth strait between south coast of Singapore and Sentosa Island

There was a large range of exported products such as hornbillcasques, laksa wood and cotton

Traders were afraid to come to Temasek due to piracy.

Jewellery, porcelain, stoneware, and earthenware

Found at fort canning park- Dated in the 14th and 15th centuries

Some of these objects came from China, Yuan and Ming dynasty (blueand white porcelain), Sri Lanka and

Thailand (glazed pottery)

What happened to Singapore after the 14

th

century? - Parameswara from Palembang murdered the local ruler and made himself king in Singapura Parameswara

was driven out by the Javanese or Siamese troops andfled to Melaka where he founded a port city taking away

Singapores importance as a trading port

Melaka was later captured by the Portuguese in 1511, thereby controlling the spice trade in the region

In 1613, they burnt down the settlement at the mouth of theSingapore River to prevent from other European

forces from settling there and having a share of their great profits

The region was later on taken over by the Dutch

Singapura still traded with China in the 16th

and 17th

century as the Blue and white porcelain made during thattime period was discovered.


2/23

How different are archaeologists and historians?

Archaeologists study the past through material remains people left behind whilst historians study the past through

written records or texts

Examples of what archaeologists study: Artefacts, Rocks (Geology),floral and fauna remains.

Examples of what historians study: Maps, Diaries, Inscriptions,Photographs, and Interviews with eye witnesses.

Chapter 2: Who was the founder of Singapore?

Why was Singapore chosen by the British?

Need to break Dutch control of trade in the Malay Archipelago.

Competition between British and Dutch East India Companies outside Europe for profit and Monopoly of trade

routes.

Britain had already commerce with China, India and the Malay Archipelago.

Dutch controlled a large part of Java and Melaka. They restricted British to only trade at Batavia

The British were taxed heavily on the goods they sold or bought.

Every Asian trading boat had to fly a Dutch flag and carry a Dutch permit or pass in order to trade at Dutch-

controlled ports.

Thus, the Dutch became the biggest rival of the British in SoutheastAsia

Importance of India-China trade

- British had a lucrative trade with China- A new trading settlement was needed as a stopover point.

Ineffectiveness of Bencoolen and Penang versus Melaka - Location of both ports was too far from main trading area in MalayArchipelago

Bencoolen was an unsuitable trading port as it was situated on thewrong side of Sumatra, facing the Indian

Ocean instead of the Straitsof Melaka.

Penang was lying too far north of the Straits of Melaka and was notvery useful for controlling the Straits of Melaka

and protecting Britishships using the Straits.

Dutch controlled both Straits of Melaka and Straits of Sunda. They could cut off the valuable trade between

Penang and the important trading centres within the Archipelago.

Singapores qualities

It has an excellent harbour and a good supply of drinking water

Could protect shipping in time of piracy

Central position in the Straits of Melaka- Protect ships between China and India

What problems did the British face in starting a trading settlement inSingapore?

The Dutch were in control

Singapore was under the rule of Sultan Abdul Raman who was underthe Dutch

Raffles decided to recognise Tengku Hussein as the rightful Sultanand obtain permission to set up a settlement in

Singapore

To ensure the Dutch did not suspect anything, Tengku Hussein left secretly to come to Singapore.


3/23

6 February 1819, Sultan Abdul and the Temenggong signed a treatywith the British to build a settlement in

southern Singapore

Sultan was paid an annual allowance of 5000 Spanish dollars and Temenggong 3000 Spanish dollars

Reactions of the Dutch and the Dutch East India Company

-Dutch protested and EIC directors and British government were angry with Raffles

The Dutch claimed that Singapore indirectly belonged to them.

British were afraid not to anger the Dutch as Holland was important inwar against hostile European countries as a

buffer state.

British had learnt a lesson from the Napoleonic Wars in Europe that astrong enemy country like France could use

Holland as a base tolaunch a military attack on Britain.

Dutch did not want to anger Britain as Holland was financially crippled during the Napoleonic wars, the Dutch did

not want to wage another war

They were on the verge on bankruptcy. Another war would cripple itseconomy. The Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 17 March 1824 was signed to make peace with each other, as they had nothing to

gain from a war.

Malay Peninsula and Singapore under British sphere of influence

Indonesia was placed under Dutch- Dutch agreed to give Melaka in exchange for Bencoolen

Treaty with Sultan and Temenggong in August 1824

British did not gain control of the island yet

The treaty had given the British rights to start a trading settlement inSingapore, but they only controlled the

southern part of Singapore.

Singapore was still a territory controlled by a Malay ruler.

Dr. John Crawfurd, the second resident of Singapore was the one who made Singapore a British possession.

He signed a treaty with Sultan Hussein on 2 August 1824 in which the Sultan and the Temenggong handed the

payment of larger sums of money than what they had previously received.

What did Farquhar do to get the settlement started?

-The day after Raffles had signed the treaty with Sultan Hussein andthe Temenggong, he left for Bencoolen

where he was appointed the Lieutenant Governor Farquhar served as resident or the local ruler of the settlement

and the commander of the British and Indian troops who were left behind

Clearing the Jungle

The northern bank of Singapore River was filled with trees, bushesand tall grasses

Clear jungles to build attap huts for-Farquhar and men

Defence

Soldiers built big guns facing the sea

Getting food for the settlers

People of Melaka sailed to Singapore in boats with poultry and fruits


4/23

Food was expensive

Getting people to come and trade

Farquhar invited settlers from Melaka to come

A British official was stationed on St. Johns Island was to invite ships to trade in Singapore

Law and Order

Robbery fighting and murder took place often

A small police force was set up to restore peace and order

The police force was made up of mostly Indians and Malays, thus unable to communicate with the Chinese and

their dialects.

Pests

Rats and centipedes were everywhere

Farquhar gave money for getting rid of these pests and was successful

Rats could spread diseases and centipede bites are poisonous.

Chapter 3: What part did the different immigrantcommunities play in

Singapores development?

Why did the immigrants come to Singapore?

Push factors Reasons why people came to Singapore becauseof unfavourable conditions in their homeland

Chinese:

Rapid population growth

which deprived people of living space due to overcrowding

Shortage of food

Natural disasters

War with foreigners- Weak Qing governmentMalays:

War in Java and Malaya- Piracy in Java and Malaya

This has threatened the trade and lives of the merchants whose shipswere seen in that region. Thus in order to

safe keep their lives and property, merchants decided to come to Singapore.

Indians:

Rapid population growth

Shortage of food and jobs

Natural disasters such as droughts and famines.

Therefore in order to keep their lives, the immigrants have no choice but to flee to a safe place

Europeans/British:

Need of markets for goods


5/23

- British companies set up branches in Singapore

Pull factors

Benefits of coming to Singapore (e.g. jobs,drinking water)

No restriction on immigration as the original population of the countrywas only a few orang lauts and fishermen.

Thus in order to build up the economy and the countrys profile, there was no restriction onimmigration.

Good geographical location of Singapore as they were situatedbetween 2 trading giants, India and China which

made it suitable as astopover point for traders to trade and refuel and replenish foodsupplies.

Better jobs and opportunities for trade

Peace and Stability

Free port status where traders need not pay taxes

Where did the immigrants live?

Settled near the mouth of Singapore River

Town plan was developed where commercial, government andresidential were demarcated to improve thehaphazard way in whichbuildings were built in the settlement.

Races and the Chinese dialet groups were separated. A kaiptan wasappointed for each community

Roads were widened

Land was reclaimed

Rubber and Gambier plantations were grown all over the island

Malays stayed at Kampong Glam

Indians stayed at Chulia Kampong

Europeans and rich Asians stay in European town

Chinese stay at Chinatown

How did the immigrants contribute to Singapores growth as a tradingcentre?

Europeans act as agents controlling rights to sell goodsimported/exported from England

Chinese worked as coolies at the dock and construction sites

Chinese who could speak sufficient English, Malay and local dialects worked as Chinese middlemen acted as

coolie agents

Some Chinese worked as barbers, shop owners, rickshaw pullers,street hawkers, and shop owners

Indians worked as labourers, chettiars and controlled transportation

Malays worked as gardeners, hunters and ship builders.

What social impact did the immigrants have on Singapore?

Diseases such as Malaria, Cholera and smallpox were rampant

People were sick and poor

Tan Tock Seng set up Paupers Hospital

Syed Mohamed bin Alsagoff spent money building wells and providing medical services and an Arabic school.

Money was spent for providing proper burials for the poor

Christian missionaries helped set up hospitals, one such school wasChinese Girls School which is now known

as St. Margarets School.


6/23

Abuse of coolies, slave trade, secret societies, prostitution and opium smoking were rampant in the

1850s

There was also gangsters and kidnapping which made streets unsafe.

Crime rate was high

Chapter 4: How did the British Govern Singapore beforeWWII?

Colonial Office in London in 1867

Governor of Straits Settlementscould approve/reject the passingof laws.

There were 2 councils that helped:

Executive council

British officials who Help runsettlements

Legislative council

Includes alsoAsians andEuropean traders who help make laws

Profile of Legislative Council

Ratio of non-offical to official members became equal

Prominent members such as

Eunous Abdullah

set aside a large pieceof land to build a Malay settlement.

Lim Boon Keng wanted opium smoking be banned as it was destroying lives of theChinese/immigrants

but was unsuccessful.

Problems British faced in maintaining lawChinese secret societies:

formed gangs, robbery and killing

operated opium house/dens brothels and gambling dens Solutions:

Increasing pay and provide training for policemen to attract them intothe profession

Officials who could speak Malay and Chinese dialects were recruited

Detective Branch (1862) was set up to monitor secret societysactivities (CID in 1931)

Finger Printing was introduced

All Chinese secret societies had to register with Chinese Protectorate.

Pickering persuaded Chinese to settle quarrels at ChineseProtectorate

Abuse of Immigrants:

Coolies were locked up in filthy conditions before sent to work.

Abuse by employers and coolie agents

Girls were kidnapped and sold to brothels.

Solution

Coolie agents and lodging houses were to be registered with the Chinese Protectorate

Po Leung Kuk was set up to rescue young girls from being sold to brothels or as maid servants. It provided shelter

for those poorly treated as servants.


7/23

Cordial relationship between Chinese Protectorate, Chinese secretsocieties and Chinese community build trust

between British andChinese.

Piracy

Danger to the lives, property and trade.

Attack ships at short distance outside limits of harbour- Adverse effects on growth and wealth of

SingaporeSolutions:- Gunboats to patrol waters and fight piracy

Arrival of steamships to fight against piracy.Diseases being widespread, vices.

Solutions:

Set up English and Malay schools and provide grants as there is a need for English speaking people to fill up

government offices and trading companies Chinese schools were neglected as they were believed to breed anti-

British feelings among the students.

Queens scholarship was provided for top secondary school studentsto further their studies.

Health

Death rates were high between the 19th and 20th century

diases such as Malaria and beri-beri were common

Diseases were caused by dirt, overcrowding and malnutrition

Inadequate water supply and no proper waste disposal system madeit worse

Solutions:

Public Health Department (1887) was set up

Malaria committee was set up- Housing conditions were improved

General hospitals, leper camp and lunatic asylums were built

Outpatient clinics were established

Quarantine Law was passed; prevent smallpox and Malaria from spreading. Treatment of British towards the

Asians

British believed they were more superior- Well-qualified Asians were not given important or senior posts in

thegovernment and medical sectors

Asians were discouraged from traveling first class carriages

Asians were not allowed to use the dance floor or bars in hotels.

Chapter 5: How did external events before WW1 affectSingapore?

Industrial Revolution

Plus:

Produced goods in large quantities

cheaper

Shortened production time. Causes people to produce in nulks, use of effective machines increase,

- Travelling time shortened, people moved at faster speeds (trains)

- Raw materials: Tin and rubber needed to manufacture goods


8/23

New Markets needed to sell goods:

East- More ships visiting Singapore: growth in trade

Port of call:

Communications improvedClose contact with the world Use of advanced forms of Transportation:

Trains, cans to move goods; steamships, over long istances people could make more trips to other areas and

travel morefrequently.

Minus

Workers go to factories to work and working conditions were verypoor

Migration of people from countryside to towns. This would lead to overcrowding.

Work increases as demand in goods increases because people aregetting richer

Division of labour, use of assembly lines

Starting of industrial revolution

Welfare of workers were neglected. People dying from work-relatedaccidents, but were not insured (Familymembers were notcompensated)

Labour exploitation Peoples welfare being neglected Many people died and families not compensated

Interesting

Took place in Britain in the 18th century and spread to other parts of Europe and America

Turning point in history of mankind

Previous machines were only able to produce for personal consumption and production time was consuming

sewing machines to produce for their families. Invention of new machines and discovery of new sources of power

todrive machines. E.g. Spinning Jenny wheel sailing ships to steamships People coming together to increase work productivity

How did the industrial revolution affect Singapore

With the invention of the steamship, Europeans could now sail to the East to obtain raw materials

This resulted in more ships visiting Singapore and led to growth intrade

Many Europeans and American steamships made Singapore their port-of-call, stopped to refuel and obtain food

supplies there

Asians in Singapore also used steamships to transport their goodsbetween Singapore and other ports in the

region

Singapores position as a port for the collection of goods from theEast and the distribution of manufactured goods

from the West gainedimportance.

Communications also improved as a result of the arrival of steamships

Letters instead of taking 4 to 5 months took about 5 weeks.

With the shorter time taken to deliver, Singapore came in closer contact with Britain and the rest of the world.

Opening of the Suez Canal

Second half of the 19th century was the opening of the Suez Canal.

Why?


9/23

There was a need for raw materials and new markets to sell their goods which caused many merchants to seek a

shorter route to the east.

Ships travelling between Europe and Asia had to sail around thesouthern tip of Africa, called the Cape of Good

Hope

This long and dangerous journey took 120 days from London to Singapore.

The Suez Canal is done by the cutting of a long canal to link the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea

When it was opened, the cost was nearly double the amount originally intended, but Ferdinand de Lesseps still

got it done in 1869

Became one of the busiest water ways in the world.

Faster steamships replaced slower sailing ships as they used the shorter Suez Canal instead of the

Cape route

Only took 50 day after that.

Effect

Singapore benefited greatly from its opening as people, mail and cargo took a shorter time to travel from Europe

to Singapore, thuscosts reduced.

Closer to Britain and the rest of the world:World appears smaller because travelling was made more accessible,

could travel around the world more frequently.

A great expansion in Singapores trade

There was an increase in speed and volume of ships passing throughthe Straits of Melaka and calling at the port

of Singapore to refuel and collect supplies

Singapore thus maintained its role as an important trading centre anda port-of-call. As there was an expansion in Singapores trade and the arrival of more steamships, the Old Harbour became

overcrowded as the mouth of the Singapore River was too narrow to cater to large volume of incoming ships

Not enough space along the banks of the river to build storehouses for keeping goods and coal or to build dry

docks for ship repairing.

Thus, New Harbour (Keppel Harbour) was built to solve overcrowding problems and unsuitable anchorage point

at mouth of Singapore River.

Singapore Harbour Board to make improvements to port.

Port facilities, modern machinery, railway system,Docks, wharves,warehouses; Forklifts, cranes,tractors to load and unload goods; Link Singapore to Malaya to facilitate transport of goods

Better and faster services. Singapore became one of the busiest ports

Causes and Consequences of World War 1

Which countries were involved?

Alliances Central Powers vs. Allied powersCentral powers: Germany, Austria, Hungary, Ottoman Empire

Allied powers: Britain, France, Russia

When did WWI happen?

1914 1918


10/23

Where WWI first started?

- Austria-Hungary vs. Serbia

How did it start?

This spark was produced when the Archduke of Austria-Hungary,Franz Ferdinand was murdered.

What were the problems Singapore faced during WWI?

Problem:

There was a frantic rush to buy food when news of the war in Europe broke out

Traders from neighbouring islands stocked their shops with food which they brought from Singapore.

Solution:

As prices soared, people became worried. To bring prices down, the government forbade the export of large

quantities of food stuff toneighbouring countries

Increased the imports of rice from Siam and Vietnam and assured the people that there was enough food for

everybody

A few weeks after the outbreak of war, things returned to normal.

Prices came down.

Problem:

Singapores shipping and trade was threatened by the presence of a German warship, the Emden, which was

at the Straits of Melaka(Sep 1914)

It did not attack Singapore, but it affected trade between Singapore and Europe as it attacked British trading ships

in the Indian Ocean.

Solution:

-Destruction of Emden by Australian warship (Sydney) helped British(part of allies).

Problem:

Sepoy regiment was ordered to sent to Hong Kong in November 1914

The sepoys heard rumours that they might be sent to Europe or Turkey to fight the Muslims. So when they

received orders to sail toHong Kong, they rebelled.

Mutiny was put down after 10 days, 43 people killed, 12 wounded.Many Europeans were killed, their cars and

property were burnt. Areas that were attacked included Bt. Timah, Alexandra Barracks, Tanglin.

Solution:

126 Sepoys were sentenced to jail while 4 mutineers were sentenced to be shot

Sepoys failed to gather any support from locals especially the Indian sand the Sikhs (policemen who co-operated

with British).

Sepoys are Indian Muslims. They were instigated by the Germans who were residing in Singapore to go against

the British government as the Germans had spread the above rumour.

British government realized it could not neglect Singapores defence

internal and external threats. Mutiny started by local Indian Muslims.


11/23

Why did WW1 happen?

World War 1 started when Archduke of Austria Hungary, FranzFerdinand was murdered. The Attack on Serbia

escalated into a worldwar.

Imperialism Territorial conquest

Arms race Balance of power

Great depression:Shares:

Buying shares to make quick moneyEffect:

Companies lose money in 1929 as they were not able to sell goods.

They sell shares, which led to prices of shares being plunged, whichthen led to the Wall Street crash.

Savings:

People lost their life savings as the banks closed downEffect:

Poverty and hardship. Begging in the streets, cannot afford basicnecessities, some were homeless.

Goods

Demand for goods fell as people were unable to afford to buy them.

Effect:

Companies had to decrease production of foods to cut cost

Workers:

Cut wages of workers and unemployment rose- Spread to the rest of the worldEffect:

Unemployment Whenever there was a job vacancy, hundreds wouldrush to apply for it.

Limited jobs:

Even the government had to cut down and reduce thepay of the workers.

Return to homeland: their friends or relatives could not support them

Immigration law:

Restrict and reduce the number of immigrants coming into Singapore, especially unskilled male Chinese

labourers.Also arranged for large numbers of unemployed Chinese and Indians toreturn to their homeland

Chapter 6: Life during the Japanese occupation

What British did to defend Singapore

They used the Main fleet to Singapore strategy

Britain would send ships from Europe if needed. Britain sent 2 mainbattle ships (HMS Repulse, and HMS Prince

of Wales) and somecruisers and destroyers.

Built a huge naval base in the Far East, and Singapore was chosen(Sembawang, 1938)

In order to defend the naval base, 15-inch guns, usually mounted on ships were installed facing the sea in

case of any attacks.

6.15-inch cannons were built at Fort Canning, Sentosa, Changi andBuona Vista

There were military airfields at Tengah and Sembawang.Unfortunately, the air force had old and outdated planes,

also knownas flying coffins


12/23

There were underground bunkers at Fort Canning, Labrador andSembawang

The British abandoned the use of tanks. Instead, they used anti-tank guns. They thought that using tanks through

Malaya was impossibledue to its dense forest, but they were wrong later

Thus, this was the impregnable fortress of the British Empire in theEast

Meanwhile in 1937, China was attacked by the Japanese. USA cut off their oil supply to Japan. This led to them

attacking Pearl Harbour

Japan then set their sights on Southeast Asia which was rich in oil and other raw materials.

Axis Powers: Germany and Italy

Germany wanted to be the master of Europe, and Japan wanted to be the master of Asia and the Pacific region

When the HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse sunk, the British could not send more naval and air

reinforcements because of its involvement in the war in Europe and North Africa

Why did the British fail to stop the Japanese?

Japanese had intelligence services for them

Landowners

Monitor coastal defence, construction of naval basePhotographers

Take pictures of roads, railwaysMilitary officers

Disguised themselves as waiters in posh BritishrestaurantsFishing fleet

Conducted surveys of the Malayan coastal areas

British had underestimated the Japanese

They believed that the Japanese army, airforce and navy were inferior

British had an obsolete air force. Their planes were old and outdatedagainst the zero fighters

Their naval fleet was smaller compared to the Imperial Naval fleet the Japanese used

The British were poor jungle warriors. They did not anticipate the Japanese use of tanks, and bicycles used to

attack them.

The Battle of Malaya, 8 December 31 January 19428 December 1941: Northern Landings (Sigora and

Patani)10 December 1941: HMS Repulse and HMS Prince of Wales sunk due to lack of air support11-12

December 1941: Battle of Jitra 17 December 1941: Penang and Ipoh were captured 7 January 1942: Battle at

Slim River (Perak). British tried to use anti-tank Guns but failed. Japanese gained many supplies there31 January

1942: Fall of Johor. British withdrew to Singapore and blew up The Causeway

The battle for Singapore

Johor Sultans palace General Yamashita set up headquarters at the Sultans palace. He knew that he could get a

birds eye view of northern Singapore, and The British wouldnt attack their old friend

The Japanese trick:

The Japanese bombed Changi and Pulau Ubin. This made the Britishmove its defences from the northwest to

the northeast.

Landings from the Northwest Japanese used rubber boats and rafts to cross over to Singapore on thenorthwest

Order for withdrawa:

The Japanese repaired the Causeway. Percival issued an order telling the troops to withdraw to town centre if

necessary, but due to miscommunications, they withdrew before they even came


13/23

Battle at Bukit Timah Hill 11 February 1942, the British lost Bukit Timah Hill, a reservoir and supplies

Fall of Pasir Panjang13 February 1942, Pasir Panjang fell, both sides suffered heavy casualties. By then, British

troops were exhausted and demoralized

On 15 February 1942, which was the Chinese New Year, the British had its final conference at the Fort Canning

bunker.

Percival wanted to discuss of ways to fight back, but too many commanders were against the idea. They felt that

there were too many problems and the soldiers were exhausted

More men would be killed if they were to go into street fighting

Food and water supplies were running out

To prevent further bloodshed, on 15 February 1942, Lieutenant-Colonel Sugita led Percival and his men to Ford

Motor Factory tonegotiate the surrender terms.

It was an unconditional surrender

Yamashita was smart. If the British did not surrender, the Japanese would not have won as he was

outnumbered, had a lack of supplie sand he too did not want to go into street fighting.

Singapore then became Syonan-to, which meant Light of the Southor the Radiant south

Political impact

Japanese military police, Kempeitai, took charge to restore order inSingapore by using fear and cruelty to get

people to obey them.

At the slightest offence, punishment was swift and severe. Many anti-Japanese suspects were

subjected to terrible torture or decapitation atthe Kempitai centre

The Japanese sent the POWs to labour on the Death Railway camps in Thailand. Many died from the harshliving and poor health conditions.

Japanese tried to win the Malays and Indians over, promising the min dependence from British rule. However,

those who resisted were sent to the Death Railway too

The Europeans and Eurasians were treated harshly as the Japanese felt that they were threats. They were set to

prison camps, or put to death.

Chinese were threats to Japanese. This was because the Japanese met strong resistance when they invaded

China. Tan Kah Kee led a boycott for Japanese goods, and contributed funds to the war in China

Chinese had to undergo a process called Sook Ching. This was to get rid of all anti-Japanese elements. All menbetween the age of 18 and 50 years were to report at centres such as the YMCA building and theCentral Police

Station. They were examined by the Japanese. At these centres, people wearing hoods, masks or paper bags

would just point out who were the anti-Japanese elements. Lucky ones were set free,with a small piece of paper

with the Chinese word examined rubber-stamped. They were then allowed to go home. However, the

unluckyones were sent to Changi or east coast to be gunned down.

They were forced to contribute 50 million towards Japans war efforts too

Anti Japanese Groups:

MPAJA and Force 136 carry out secret attacksand sabotage activities of Japanese. They were sent to India tobetrained and then sent secretly to Malaya via submarines to help them.

The Japanese did not regard the Malays and Indians as a threat totheir rule. They tried to win the support of the


14/23

Malays and Indians andconvince them that Japan would free them from British rule. But if anyone who disobeyed

or displeased the Japanese would still be punished

Economic impact

Singapores entrepot trade was disrupted resulting in a food shortage

Available food and medical resources used to support Japans warefforts

Rationing of necessities was practiced

People were given a ration card called a Peace Living Certificate

Black market was set up due to the rationing

-Japanese issued unlimited supplies of banana notes, which had noserial number and could be forged easily

Inflation

Social impact

Japanese promoted the Japanese spirit (Nippon Seishin)

Propaganda via newspaper, radio stations, movies to influence peopleto be loyal to Japanese

Those who tuned into foreign stations were punished severely

Teachers and students had to learn the Japanese language

To promote the Japanese culture, mass drills and singing of the national anthem was implemented.

After the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Japanese surrendered shortly. British troops returned to

Singapore on 5September 1945.

The British then set up a provisional government called the British Military Administration (BMA) which governed

Singapore till 1April1946.

Post war problemsProblem:

Shortage of public utilities: water, electricity, telephone services

Streets were filthy and dark

Poor sanitationSolution:

Japanese POWs were put to work to restore electricity, gas and repairwater mains

Problem:

Lack of health services Solution:

Island-wide health campaign launched

Free medical services provided at all medical centres were set up all over the Island

Vaccinations against infectious diseases such as tuberculosis were available

Problem:

War destroyed many houses, resulting in thousands being homeless

Rents became very high- Those who could not afford to pay high rentals lived in overcrowded squatters or

cubicles

Lack of housing.

Solution

Law on rent control was passed to stop landlords from raising rentsand forcing tenants to move out


15/23

Government constructed flats to alleviate housing shortage

Problem:

Unemployment

Solution:

British Military Administration referred unemployed people to Labour exchange which was tasked to meet

employers needs withemployees skills.

Problem:

Shortage of food Solution:

- British cleared harbour, removing sunken ships and sea mines so mships could enter the ports

Wharves repaired and warehouses built to store commodities

Food rationing was introduced

Peoples restaurant set up to sell food at reasonable prices

Food supplies increase with resumption of entrepot trade in Singapore

Chapter 7: How did the local people respond to British rule after WW II

Living conditions were bad.

This led into strikes and work stop pages by thousands of workers from the port, factories, transport, and business

companies after 1945

Strikes took place so often in 1947 that it was then named The Year of Strikes. More than 300 strikes took place.

The Malayan Communist Party stirred up peoples feelings against the British through the trade unions, by

blaming them. The communists then encouraged them to join communist-controlled trade unions

British government then passed laws to control trade unions as the communists were organising strikes to create

disorder

The government would make sure that no money was used for Communist led activities.

Peoples attitude towards the British has changed. They thought that the even if the British ruled Singapore for

over a hundred years and failed to protect it, they should leave

Was actually due to external events, in India where they gained the independence

British decided to introduce gradual change

Elections were introduced, and locals were allowed to be elected into the Legislative Council, and there was

democracy

Only born in Singapore citizens were allowed to vote.

Only the Singapore Progressive Party took part in the 1948 election.

The SPP worked closely with the British government

It was not popular with the Chinese-educated as it was made up of English-educated members, thus making it

pro-British and gradual self-government.

-The social and economic problems continued

- 2 Riots about anti-British feelings


16/23

Maria Hertogh Riots

Maria Bertha Hertogh was born in Java in 1937 to Dutch Catholic parents

Her parents were imprisoned during the Japanese Occupation, thus Maria came under the care of a Malay

woman, Che Aminah and her husband.

She was then brought up as a Muslim

On 1949, Marias mother, Adeline Hertogh came to claim her daughter back.

This was brought to the High Court in Singapore.

In May 1950, the court ruled that Maria be returned to her natural parents.

Maria was married to a Malay Teacher under Che Aminahs care when she was 13

Che Aminah then tried to make an appeal.

In November 1950, they went back to court.

The court ruled that Maria should be returned to her natural parents again. The Dutch law did not recogniseMarias marriage as she was under-aged and her natural fathers consent was not obtained

This led into dissatisfaction within the Muslim community, as they felt that the Muslim law was not respected.

Maria was put under the care of a Catholic convent in Thomson Road

Che Aminah appealed yet again for the custody of Maria- However, the court threw out the appeal within 5

minutes.

This caused more dissatisfaction to the Muslim community, as they felt that the British took sides with the

Dutch. Therefore, the supporters of Aminah started to riot

Cars were overturned and burned; the rioting also erupted in the vicinity of Mosques

Europeans and Eurasians were attacked at sight

Riots continued for 3 days and a curfew was imposed for 2 weeks.

Army was called in to maintain law and order.

The situation was under control within 3 days. However, 18 peoplewere killed and 173 were injured during the riot

Who were involved?

Maria Bertha Hetogh

Adeline Hertogh

Che Aminah

What happened?

Mariah was adopted by Che Aminah while her natural parents were imprisoned by the Japanese, but when her

perpetual parents came to claim for her in 1949, her foster parents were unwilling to give her up.

Court trials were heard, Che Aminah got custody but still lost in the end. Malays were angry with the verdict,

thought the Judge was biased and started a riot.

Impact on people

Europeans and Eurasians were attacked at sight

Cars were overturned and burnt-- 173 people were injured and 18 killed

Business and economy were affected due to riots and curfews imposed


17/23

Anti NS Riots

Riots were started by the Chinese-educated students when the government introduced National Service

National service ordinance required all males from age 18 to 20 to register for it.

It was not very popular with secondary students. Most of them were 20 years or above as their education had

been disrupted by the war.

The students did not want to defend the British as they were biased against the British

Only very few students from the Chinese schools turned up

On 13 May 1954, more than one thousand students gathered in front of the Government house to present the

petition in a peaceful way

It then turned into a riot when the police were called in to disperse the crowd

The police and students clashed

26 people were injured and 48 students were arrested This was partly because the British has been biased against theChinese. They were treated unfairly in the

educational and economic terms.

In 1950, English schools took 79.8% of the budget, and Chinese schools took only 5.8%. There were 287

Chinese schools and 131 English schools.

The Chinese were also not allowed to go to universities in Singapore,and had to go to China for further education,

until Nanyang University was set up. The Chinese were also given odd jobs.

Who were involved?

Chinese males ages 18 to 20What happened?

Chinese did not feel the desire to defend the British government and wanted to pursue their studies which had

been disrupted during the occupation

Impact on people:

Chinese became more politically conscious and anti-government feelings stared to breed amongst the public

Chapter 8:Hock Lee Bus Riots

It was organised by communists.

Strikers made up of employees of Hock Lee Employees Union and Singapore Bus Workers Union

Workers were unsatisfied with long working hours and low wages

Took place in April 1955. Workers wanted better pay and working conditions.

Hock Lee Bus Company dismissed 229 workers because of it.

Strikers gathered at the companys depot in front of the gates to prevent buses from leaving the garage

The police were called in. Strikers threw stones at the police, so the police used their batons to clear

the crowd and 15 people were injured.

More than 10 000 students from Chinese schools arrived in Lorries,and showed their support by bringing food

and entertaining workers with songs and dance

David Marshall attempted to settle the dispute by setting up a Commission of Inquiry, but both parties failed to


18/23

reach to an agreement

Workers from six other Chinese bus companies joined the strike to protest.

Fire hoses were used to control the workers and students.

On 12 May 1955, the crowd started to attack the police with bricks,stones and bottles. The riot lasted till 3 a.m. the

next day

Four people were killed, 31 injured.

The strike finally came to an end on 14 May 1955. Sacked workers got their jobs back.

What happened?

Disagreement over working conditions and wages between upper management and the workers

Impact on people

Attacks on police were carried out, workers were injured as well

Bus services were disrupted

Who were involved? Bus drivers from Singapore Bus workers Union, Hock Lee EmployeesUnion and upper management

Police Force

Chinese school students

Singapore Chinese Middle School Students Union riots

Came about when Lim Yew Hock wanted to close down the Singapore Chinese Middle School Students Union

because of its communist activities

Government also arrested four student leaders from Chinese High School and Chung Cheng High School and

expelled 142 students

Students camped at the schools for 2 weeks.

Government told their parents to persuade their children to return home but most refused.

Same day, Lim Chin Siong organised a meeting, and when the meeting ended, some of the workers joined the

students in creating disorder

Police was then sent to clear students with tear gas.

The students then headed for the city. They threw stones and bottles,overturned cars and damaged traffic lights,

for 3 days.

Police imposed a curfew, and army was then called in.

In the end, union leaders, including Lim Chin Siong and Fong Swee Suan were arrested.

13 people died, more than 100 injured

Similar to Hock Lee Bus riots which had students and workers

Clear evidence that communists were rising up to challenge the government.

What caused the riot?

Singapore Chinese Middle Schools Students Union closed down because of its communist activities

Which were the parties involved?

Chinese High School and Chung Cheng High School students

What happened during the riot?


19/23

Lim Chin Siong organised student and labour movement to challenge the government, when the students were

driven out of the school, they headed to the city, in the midst they retaliated by throwing stones and bottles, over

turned cars and damaged traffic lights

How did the riot come under control?

Police were called in, use of tear gas on students to clear studentsfrom schools, curfew was imposed and army

was called in.

How many people were injured and how many were killed?

100 injured, 13 killed

What was the outcome of the riot?

Union leaders Fon Swee Suan and Lim Chin Siong were arrested.

Chapter 9: Reasons for merger

Singapore lacked natural resources and faced a declining entre pot trade and a growing population which

required jobs

Prevents growth of the Singapore market as less raw materials would lead into lesser variety of job sector and

opportunities

E.g. Singapore did not have a plantation of spices, thus people wouldrather go to Malaysia to increase their trade

in Singapore

Malaya government introduced import and export tariffs on goods between the countries

Neighbouring nations markets and trading ports were developing, and the Singapore port was no longer in great

significance, causing trade to fall and people loosing their jobs

Common market could be set up, to support Singapores industries where goods could be bought and sold freely

without being taxed

This would lead into increase trade, expand industries and more jobs

PAP wanted to break free of British control, but British didnt want as Singapore would die on its own as there

were a lot of communists, thus need the merger

Communists were strong and in order not to allow Communists to control Singapore which threatens security of

Malaya; Tunku Abdul Rahman could help fight the Communists with its army

Barisan Sosialis was causing much havoc (Communist Party of thattime)

Sabah and Sarawak, the Cobbold Commission was set up in January1962 by the Malayan and British

governments to find out whether the people of both colonies wanted to join Malaysia

And they did on 31 August 1963

It was delayed by Indonesia and Philippines because they wanted Sabah and Sarawak to join them.

The Philippines refused to recognise Malaysia as it claimed tha tSabah rightfully belonged to the Philippines

Broke off relations with Malaysia in 1963

What led to separation?

Political views:First difference

Malaysia thought that Singapore was adapted to the Malaysia system,but they were not


20/23

Political parties in Malaya were formed along racial lines and interests of the individual races were protected by

their own racial political parties E.g. United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), Malayan Chinese Association

(MCA) and Malayan Indian Congress (MIC).

Political parties in Singapore were multi racial in form and actions Second difference

In Malaya, the Malays were given special rights to improve standard of living

In Singapore, everyone was treated equally and given the same opportunity to better oneself. PAP believed

standard of living would improve through education and industrialisation.

Economic matters:

Singapore was seen as an economic rival rather than as a partner.

E.g. the Central Government imposed tariffs on electric bulbs, even the ones from Singapore. It was

to protect a proposed electric bulb factory to be in Malaya for the Malayan market

The common market was not set up, due to some delays. Malaya continued to tax Singapore so as to protect the

Malaya market

The central government increased Singapores contribution of revenue from 40% to 60%

Singapore leaders felt it was unjust as it was receiving lesser revenue because of Indonesias(confrontation)

konfrontasi

An anti-PAP campaign began after the Singapore Alliances in theFederal election.

One issue was when government wanted to redevelop the Crawford,Kampong Glam and Rochor areas

In order to initiate the project, some 2500 families had to bere settled. 200 out of the 2500 families were Malays.

However, the Utusan malay claimed that 3000 Malay residents were affected

Secretary-General of UMNO then made an anti-PAP speech

Lee Kuan Yew and Othman Wok met 900 Malay representatives on 19 July 1964, and pledged that the

Singapore government would do its best to help Malays in education, employment, and housing

However, on 21 July 1964, when more than 25000 Malays gathered at the Padang to celebrate Prophet

Mohammeds birthday, the Malayswent to attack a policeman. That incident led into a race riot after the group of

Malays attacked ethnic Chinese-Malay passers-by andspectators.

23 people died, and 454 people were injured. Curfew was imposed and lifted for short periods for people to buy

food

Good will committees were then set up to restore harmony among the various races by addressing theirconcerns

Another race riot took place in September 1964, after six weeks of calm as a Malay rickshaw puller was believed

to be killed by ethnic Chinese. 13 people died, and 108 injured.

September 1964, the Alliance and PAP agreed not to raise any matters that were racial in nature. They both then

agreed not to challenge each other politically for the next 2 years

However, on October 1964, the Singapore Alliance announced that they would undergo major reorganisations to

prepare itself for the Singapore state election in 1967. This was a direct political challenge to the PAP

In May 1965, the PAP brought together four other Malaysian opposition parties to form the Malaysian Solidarity

Convention (MSC). They campaigned for a Malaysian Malaysia, where everyone would be equal. This upset

leaders in UMNO, as it seemed to question the special rights enjoyed for Malays. UMNO then called for Lee


21/23

Kuan Yews arrest

By mid-1965, the Tunku was afraid that more racial clashes is yet tocome. Many disagreements could not be

settled, and thus, he thought it was best for them to leave Singapore.

Chapter 10:Challenges faced in Singapores early years of independence

Defence:

British withdrawal of military troops in 1971, resulting in economic losses especially for those manufacturing

military goods and services for those working in military bases. There ought to be plans to defend Singapore from

internal and external threats. Without securing political and social stability, economic development would be difficult

Economy and Jobs

There was a lack of natural resources, such asrubber, palm oil and minerals such as gold and tin. Singapores

economy, was not diversified as it was largely dependent on entre pot trade but it was losing trade to its

neighbours, Malaysia and Indonesiaas their ports develop. The population was increasing and this led to heighten

unemployment strategies adopted to resolve challenges.

Attract foreign investors:

By having Multi National Co-operations(MNCs) from Japan, Western Europe and the USA to set up factories

here, it provided jobs for population and succeeded. Singapore could also establish itself as a base and low cost

manufacturing exportcentre and tap on the technological and marketing expertise of these MNCs to gain a

competitive edge in the global markets

Transform Singapore into a more globalised and developed country inthe region:

Establish high standards of public service such as security housing, education, telecommunications and transport.

This would in turn attract foreign investors and professionals as it would set apartitself from other countries.

Engage Dr Albert Winsemius:

To advise Singapore on its economic development. He gave the idea of export-led Industralisation due to the lack

of a hinterland market and the need for good aptitude from the people to help strengthen Singapores economy so

that it could develop faster and stay ahead of countries.

Action Plans (Support facilities)

Airports:

From Paya Lebar (1960) to Changi (1981) to handle growingvolumes of cargo and airfreight services

Port of Singapore Authority

Oversee, manage and develop portfacilities (1964) to development of container port (late 1960s)

Banking and finance

Banks providing necessary support (1960)

Public Utilities Board

Coordinate water, electricity and gas supplies to people (1963)

Singapore Telephone Board

Promote communication from withinSingapore and also with other countries where economic activities can be

promoted.


22/23

Action Plans: (EDB)

Set up to initiate and develop industralisation programme in 1961

Jurong Industrial Estate was the first major project undertaken and became Singapores manufacturing base.

This created employment and encouraged many joint ventures between local and foreign entrepreneurs from

Asia

Jurong was chosen because it was located away from any built-uparea which provided space for future

expansion

Close to Malaysia, Singapores hinterland and had deep waters forbuilding a harbour

Jurong Town Corporation was assigned to develop and manage JIEand other industrial estates in Kallang Basin,

Sims Avenue and Redhill

Action Plans (Housing)

Problem:

Singapore Improvement Trust was set up by British to look intohousing problems (1927)

SITs housing units were not sufficient and housing conditions were poor such that about half a million people

were living in slums and squatters

Cramped and unhygienic living conditions bred infectious diseases and was a hazard for fire escapes (i.e. Bukit

Ho Swee fire)

Solution

Housing development Board (1960) replaced SIT.

Three Fiver Year Plans were introduced1) 1st 5 Year Plan (1961-1965):

Housing estates were based on aneighbourhood concept where there was a self contained cluster of facilities to

minimise travelling outside the neighbourhood. These estates were called New Towns located at Tiong Bahru,

Queenstown, Toa Payoh and MacPherson.2) 2nd

5 Year Plan (1966-1970):

Improvements made to design of estates and flats. Amenities were provided and point blocks were introduced for

more privacy3) 3rd

5 Year Plan (1971-1975):

Bigger flats were built and HousingUrban development Company (1970) was set up to design flats thatcost less

but comparable in quality and design to private sector.

Action Plans (Education)

Problem:

During the colonial period, education was left in the hands of different racial and religious groups

Lessons were conducted in their own language and syllabi

The government in 1959 had to integrate these different educational systems

Solution:

Under PAP government, there was a need to standardise medium of instruction. Daily Flag raising and pledge

taking ceremonies are introduced, primary education was complulsory and co-corricularactivities were promoted

A 5 Year Plan was implemented in 1960s:* Equal treatment of all language streams* Establishment of Malay as


23/23

National language* Emphasis on Mathematics, science and technical subjects* Provision of education beyond

primary levels* Educational facilities were upgraded* Number of teachers also increased

Bilingual policy was introduced (1960)

Shift from academic to technical and vocational training to meet the needs of industralisation

Action Plans (Defence)

Problems:

Small funds and small manpower

High costs in maintaining regular army that is well-trained and well equipped

Chinese parents were strongly against national service and feared military training would be tough and life

threatening for their sons.

Solution:

National Service Amendment Bill was passed, (1967) where medically fit young men of 18 years of age are to be

enlisted into the army. Upon completion of NS, these men would become Reservists and has to be called up for

short training periods to be in touch with their military skills

Concept of citizens Army was adopted

Singapore Armed Forces Training Institute was set up to provide military training (1966)

MPs explained to people the importance of NS and organised get-togethers and variety shows to clarify doubts

and fears of NS. Radio,television and pamphlets were used to educate the purpose of NS

Steps were taken to build up navy and airforce

Conducted training overseas and got help from foreign military advisers

Need to establish military cooperation with other countries to ensureSingapores safety/security A Five Power Defence Treaty was signed by Australia, Britain, NewZealand, Malaysia, and Singapore to assist in

case the threat of attacks from other countries should arise

history sec2

Documents