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History of Singapore

Singapore was founded in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles as a British trading post. It grew rapidly in the 19th century as a center for trade between Europe and Asia. In 1867 it became a Crown Colony ruled directly by Britain. During World War 2, Singapore fell to Japanese occupation in 1942 but Britain regained control in 1945. Singapore transitioned to self-government and independence over the following decades, joining and then leaving Malaysia in 1963-1965 to become a fully independent republic. It has since experienced strong economic growth and development.

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180 views1 page

History of Singapore

Singapore was founded in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles as a British trading post. It grew rapidly in the 19th century as a center for trade between Europe and Asia. In 1867 it became a Crown Colony ruled directly by Britain. During World War 2, Singapore fell to Japanese occupation in 1942 but Britain regained control in 1945. Singapore transitioned to self-government and independence over the following decades, joining and then leaving Malaysia in 1963-1965 to become a fully independent republic. It has since experienced strong economic growth and development.

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HISTORY OF SINGAPORE

Singapore in the 19th Century

 Modern Singapore was founded by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819. He is a clerk for the British East
India Company in 1795 and rose rapidly in the company. In 1811 he was made governor of Java. In
1818 Raffles was made governor of Bencoolen on the island of Sumatra. Raffles believed the British
should establish a base on the Straits of Melaka and in 1819 he landed on the island of Singapore.
The island consisted of swamps and jungle with a small population but Raffles realized it could be
made into a useful port.

How was Singapore during the rule of British Government 19th century?

 The British established a new trading post at Singapore and it grew very rapidly. As well as
Europeans, Malays, Chinese, Indians and Arabs came to live and work there. By 1824 the population
had risen to 10,000. In 1826 Singapore was joined with Melaka and Penang to form the Straits
Settlements. In 1867 Singapore became a Crown Colony ruled directly by the British government
rather than the East India Company. By 1870 the population of Singapore had risen to 100,000.
Many grand buildings were erected in Singapore in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Among them
was the Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall, which was built in 1862. Suez Canal was built in 1869
Singapore became even more important as a 'gateway' between Europe and eastern Asia.

What troubles does Singapore experienced before it became Present-day Singapore?

 In January 1942 the Japanese conquered Malaysia. On 15 February 1942 Singapore was forced to
surrender.
 Japan surrendered in August 1945 and on 5 September 1945 the British re-occupied Singapore.
 After 1945 Singapore slowly moved towards independence. In 1946 the Strait Settlements were
dissolved and Singapore was separated from Malaysia. The People's Action Party was formed in
1954 and it proved to be a major force in Singaporean politics. In 1955 a new constitution was
introduced. Under it 25 out of 32 members of the legislature were elected. In 1957 it was replaced
by an elected 51 member legislature. The People’s Action Party led by Lee Kuan Yew won 43 out of
51 seats. Self-government was granted in 1959. Lee Kuan Yew became prime minister.
 In 1963 Singapore joined with Malaysia. However the union was short lived. Singapore left in 1965
and became completely independent. From 1965 to the 1990s Singapore enjoyed rapid economic
growth. By the 1990s it was an NIC (newly industrialized country) and the people had a high
standard of living. However the government was authoritarian and society was strictly controlled. In
1990 Lee Kuan Yew resigned as prime minister. He was replaced by Goh Chok Tong. He introduced a
more liberal regime. Today Singapore is a prosperous nation and its economy is growing steadily.
Singapore is also a very busy port.

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