Sec 2 Hist Chap 7 British Rule in Singapore after WWII mixed

Questions and Answers

What was the main reason for the unstable cooperation between the USA and USSR after WWII?

They had different military strategies

They had different ideologies (correct)

They disagreed on the outcome of the war

They had different economic systems

The USSR practiced democracy and allowed people to own private properties and businesses.

False

What was the main goal of the Malayan Communist Party (MCP)?

To kick the British out of Singapore and Malaya.

The British were afraid that Singapore would turn _______________________.

communist Signup and view all the answers

Who took care of Maria Hertogh temporarily during the Japanese Occupation?

A local family friend, Che Aminah Signup and view all the answers

Maria Hertogh's name was changed to Nadra binte Ma'arof by her biological parents.

False Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the court case filed by Nadra's family?

They sought to claim Maria back Signup and view all the answers

Match the following ideologies with their characteristics:

Democracy = People have freedom of choice and can own private properties and businesses Communism = People have to give up their freedom of choice and cannot own private properties and businesses Signup and view all the answers

The USA practiced _______________________ where people could exercise their freedom of choice.

democracy/capitalism Signup and view all the answers

What were the riots in the early 1950s known as?

Maria Hertogh Riots Signup and view all the answers

The British Military Administration (BMA) ruled Singapore and Malaya from 5 September 1945 to 31 March 1946.

True Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason for the housing shortages in Singapore after WWII?

The war had destroyed many housing spaces, and Singapore's population grew rapidly due to the post-war baby boom. Signup and view all the answers

Which organization was responsible for building low-cost housing for locals in Singapore after WWII?

Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) Signup and view all the answers

The year 1947 was known as "______" due to the high number of strikes in Singapore.

The Year of Strikes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a factor contributing to industrial unrest in post-war Singapore?

Lack of trade unions Signup and view all the answers

Match the following post-war problems in Singapore with their corresponding solutions implemented by the British:

Housing Shortages = Accelerated building program by SIT Industrial Unrest = Control of trade unions through registration and restrictions Political Rights and Freedom = Political tutelage leading to increased local representation in government Signup and view all the answers

The British government allowed all residents of Singapore to vote in the 1948 election.

False Signup and view all the answers

What was the main objective of the British in implementing political tutelage in Singapore?

To prepare Singapore for self-government and independence. Signup and view all the answers

Which political party contested the 1948 election in Singapore and won 3 out of 6 seats?

Singapore Progressive Party (SPP) Signup and view all the answers

The Rendel Constitution increased the number of local representatives in the Singapore government from 6 in 1948 to ______ in 1955.

25 Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Che's appeal regarding Maria's custody?

Maria was returned to her birth parents Signup and view all the answers

Riots broke out after the judge upheld Che's appeal.

False Signup and view all the answers

What was the reason for imposing a curfew during the riots?

To stop the riots and restore order. Signup and view all the answers

The students protested against _____ on 13 May 1954, leading to clashes with police.

National service Signup and view all the answers

How many people were killed during the riots following the decision on Maria's custody?

18 Signup and view all the answers

Students at Chung Cheng High School locked themselves in classrooms to protest the opening of English-medium schools.

False Signup and view all the answers

Che's supporters felt that the British unfairly sided with the _____ in the appeal.

Dutch Signup and view all the answers

What were students' concerns regarding National Service?

They felt it would disrupt their studies and that the British discriminated against Chinese education. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following events with their descriptions:

Riots after Maria's custody decision = Resulted in 18 deaths and 173 injuries Students locking themselves in classrooms = Protest against closure of Chinese-medium schools British deploying riot police = Response to student protests against National Service Curfew imposed = Attempt to restore order during riots Signup and view all the answers

Which group felt that their religion was being discriminated against during the Maria case?

Muslims Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the external developments that affected post-war Singapore?

Weakening of Colonial Rule Signup and view all the answers

India gained independence from British rule in 1954.

False Signup and view all the answers

What was the growing influence of communism after World War II?

The growing influence of communism after World War II was due to the emergence of the USA and USSR as superpowers, fighting in the Cold War, with both having large populations, strong militaries, and rich resources. Signup and view all the answers

The locals in Singapore felt betrayed and lost trust in the _______________________ after they surrendered Singapore to the Japanese during the war.

British Signup and view all the answers

Match the following countries with their year of independence from colonial rule:

India = 1947 Indonesia = 1949 Vietnam = 1954 Signup and view all the answers

The British were confident in their ability to maintain control over Singapore after World War II.

False Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the Japanese Occupation on the locals in Singapore?

The Japanese Occupation accelerated the growth of anti-colonial feelings and led to a desire for independence and self-governance among the locals. Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the weakening of colonial rule in Singapore?

The locals wanted to be in control of their own fate. Signup and view all the answers

After World War II, many countries rose up against their _______________________ masters and fought for independence.

colonial Signup and view all the answers

The USA and USSR collaborated peacefully after World War II.

False Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the Japanese defeat of European forces during World War II?

It accelerated the growth of anti-colonial feelings Signup and view all the answers

The British were confident in their ability to maintain control over Singapore after World War II.

False Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the Japanese Occupation on the locals in Singapore?

Locals felt betrayed and lost trust in the British. Signup and view all the answers

After World War II, many countries rose up against their _______________________ masters and fought for independence.

colonial Signup and view all the answers

Match the following countries with their year of independence from colonial rule:

India = 1947 Indonesia = 1949 Vietnam = 1954 Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the external developments that affected post-war Singapore?

Weakening of Colonial Rule Signup and view all the answers

The USA and USSR collaborated peacefully after World War II.

False Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the defeat of European forces by the Japanese empire?

Accelerated growth of anti-colonial feelings Signup and view all the answers

Locals in Singapore felt betrayed and lost trust in the _______________________ after they surrendered Singapore to the Japanese during the war.

British Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the growing influence of communism after World War II?

Cold War between USA and USSR Signup and view all the answers

What event led to the riots in Singapore in 1950?

The British judge's decision to return Maria Hertogh to her biological parents, despite the protests of her adoptive mother, Che. Signup and view all the answers

The riots that followed the Maria Hertogh case were solely a religious conflict between Islam and Christianity.

False Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason for the student protests against National Service in 1954?

They feared it would disrupt their studies and lead to another Japanese occupation. Signup and view all the answers

The riots in 1950, following the Maria Hertogh case, resulted in the deaths of ____ people.

18 Signup and view all the answers

Match the following events with their descriptions:

Maria Hertogh case = A court case concerning a young girl's custody, leading to riots. Anti-National Service Riots = Students protested against the British government's National Service policy. Signup and view all the answers

What was the British government's response to the student protests against National Service?

The British government eventually postponed registration for National Service. Signup and view all the answers

The British government immediately closed all Chinese-medium schools after the student protests against National Service.

False Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a reason for the student protests against National Service in 1954?

Opposition to the British government's plan to introduce a new national curriculum. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Anti-National Service Riots in 1954?

The Anti-National Service Riots highlighted the growing sense of dissatisfaction among the Chinese population in Singapore with the British colonial government. It reflected their desire for greater control over their own education and a sense of unfair treatment by the British. Signup and view all the answers

The Anti-National Service Riots were sparked by a protest involving around ______ students.

500 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following were factors contributing to housing shortages in post-war Singapore?

Rapid population growth due to the post-war baby boom Signup and view all the answers

The British government actively encouraged trade unions in post-war Singapore.

False Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason for the high number of strikes in Singapore in 1947?

Workers demanded immediate improvements to their working conditions. Signup and view all the answers

The British implemented a policy of ______ to prepare Singapore for self-government and independence.

political tutelage Signup and view all the answers

Match the following post-war problems in Singapore with their corresponding solutions implemented by the British:

Housing Shortages = Accelerated building program by the Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) Industrial Unrest = Laws passed to control trade unions Political Rights and Freedom = Introduction of political tutelage and elections for local representatives Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following organizations was responsible for building low-cost housing in Singapore after WWII?

The Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) Signup and view all the answers

The 1948 election in Singapore saw high voter turnout.

False Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the first political party to contest an election in Singapore?

Singapore Progressive Party (SPP) Signup and view all the answers

The Rendel Constitution increased the number of local representatives in the Singapore government from 6 in 1948 to ______ in 1955.

25 Signup and view all the answers

The British were confident that they could easily maintain control over Singapore after WWII.

False Signup and view all the answers

What type of government did the USA practice after World War II?

Democracy Signup and view all the answers

The Malayan Communist Party had little to no support from the people in Singapore.

False Signup and view all the answers

What was one reason the British were hesitant to grant independence to Singapore?

Fear that Singapore would turn communist. Signup and view all the answers

The USA and USSR had opposing ideologies, with the USA practicing _____________.

capitalism Signup and view all the answers

What was a key characteristic of the USSR's ideology?

Control over all resources by the government Signup and view all the answers

Match the following individuals/events with their descriptions:

Maria Hertogh = A girl at the center of a custody dispute Che Aminah = Maria's foster parent during the Japanese Occupation Malayan Communist Party = Sought to expel the British from Singapore Maria Hertogh Riots = Riots triggered by a custody decision Signup and view all the answers

Maria Hertogh's name was changed by her biological parents.

False Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the legal battle for Maria Hertogh's custody?

The judge upheld Che Aminah's appeal. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes communism as practiced in the USSR?

Requires citizens to give up their freedom of ownership Signup and view all the answers

The riots in the early 1950s were known as the _____________.

Maria Hertogh Riots Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction/Background

Japan officially surrendered to the Allies on 2 September 1945, ending WWII.
From 5 September 1945 to 31 March 1946, Singapore and Malaya were under British Military Administration (BMA).

Housing Shortages

Rapid population growth due to a post-war baby boom created significant housing shortages.
Singapore recorded one of the highest birth rates in the 1940s and 1950s.
War damage left many housing units destroyed, forcing people into overcrowded living conditions and slums.
The Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) was tasked with addressing the housing crisis but struggled to meet demand.
SIT built 20,907 housing and shop units between 1947 and 1959, averaging only 1,742 houses annually despite a need for 10,000 per year.

Unsatisfactory Working Conditions + Industrial Unrest

Poor working conditions led to widespread industrial unrest, including over 300 strikes in 1947 involving nearly 70,000 workers.
Prominent figures like Devan Nair and Jamit Singh led strikes for improved labor conditions.
British authorities passed laws to control trade unions, suspecting communist influence in instigating strikes.
From 1947, all trade unions were required to register, limiting their capacity to organize protests and strikes.
Despite these controls, industrial unrest continued into the 1950s.

Political Rights and Freedom

Increased demand for political rights as locals sought greater say in governance post-WWII.
The global wave of decolonization influenced local aspirations for independence.
The British initiated a political tutelage process, allowing limited self-governance, as evidenced by the Rendel Constitution.
The number of elected local representatives rose from 6 in 1948 to 25 by 1955, but voter participation was low due to many immigrants being ineligible.
In 1955, only about 22,000 out of 960,000 were registered to vote, with the Singapore Progressive Party being the only contesting political party.

Weakening of Colonial Rule

Global dissatisfaction with colonialism fueled local desires for independence.
The Japanese Occupation, which ended in 1945, sowed distrust toward British governance as locals felt betrayed.
Independence movements gained momentum worldwide, with India gaining independence in 1947 and Indonesia in 1949.

Growing Influence of Communism

The post-WWII power struggle between the USA and USSR influenced global politics.
The Malayan Communist Party gained support in Singapore and Malaya, complicating British efforts to retain control.
The British hesitated to grant independence, fearing Singapore could align with communism.

Maria Hertogh Riots

The case of Maria Hertogh, a child raised by a Malay family during the Japanese Occupation, became a flashpoint for riots.
Tensions escalated when a British judge ruled that Maria should return to her Dutch birth family.
Riots erupted as Che Aminah's supporters felt sidelined, attacking Europeans and Eurasians when the appeal was rejected.
The unrest resulted in 18 deaths and 173 injuries, highlighting communal and religious tensions in Singapore.

Anti-National Service Riots

On 13 May 1954, approximately 500 students protested against compulsory National Service, leading to police intervention and injuries.
A significant protest occurred on 22 May 1954 at Chung Cheng High School after the order to close Chinese-medium schools.
Students viewed National Service as disruptive and unfair, feeling the British favored English-medium education while neglecting their interests.
Many refused to serve a colonial government that they believed did not cater to their needs.

British Rule After WWII

Japan officially surrendered on 2 September 1945, ending WWII, leading to British Military Administration (BMA) from 5 September 1945 to 31 March 1946 in Singapore and Malaya.

Housing Shortages

Post-war baby boom led to rapid population growth, exacerbating housing shortages.
High birth rates in the 1940s and 1950s compounded the issue, alongside destruction of housing during the war.
Overcrowding resulted in many living in slums and cramped conditions.
Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) aimed to alleviate housing shortages, building 20,907 units between 1947 and 1959.
Despite a yearly need for 10,000 new housing units, only 1,742 units were constructed annually during this period.

Unsatisfactory Working Conditions and Industrial Unrest

Worker dissatisfaction led to widespread strikes, with 1947 seeing over 300 strikes and 70,000 workers participating.
Prominent figures included trade union members and educated individuals advocating for better working conditions.
The British implemented laws to control trade unions suspecting communist influences behind the unrest.
From 1947, trade unions had to register with the government, limiting their ability to organize protests and strikes.
Trade union activity persisted into the 1950s despite governmental control measures.

Political Rights and Freedom

Growing desires for political representation emerged, influenced by global decolonization.
1948 allowed locals to vote for government representatives, progressively increasing from 6 to 25 seats by 1955 under the Rendel Constitution.
Low voter participation was noted, with only 22,000 out of 960,000 people registered, and only 14,000 actually voting.
The Singapore Progressive Party (SPP) was the first to contest elections, winning 3 out of 6 seats.

Weakening of Colonial Rule

Global discontent with colonial rule was on the rise, spurred by the Japanese Occupation and subsequent independence movements in other countries.
Successful independence movements, like India in 1947 and Indonesia in 1949, inspired local calls for self-governance.
Locals in Singapore felt betrayed by British abandonment during WWII and desired autonomy from colonial control.

Growing Influence of Communism

Post-WWII, the USA and USSR emerged as superpowers, generating Cold War tensions.
Conflicting ideologies between democracy/capitalism (USA) and communism (USSR) fueled global political shifts.
The Malayan Communist Party gained traction in Singapore and Malaya, seeking to expel British colonial forces.
British reluctance to grant independence stemmed from fears of a communist takeover in Singapore due to its strategic alliance with the USA.

Riots in the Early 1950s

Maria Hertogh Riots

Maria Hertogh, adopted by local family Che Aminah, was returned to her birth parents by a British judge, prompting Che to appeal.
The case highlighted religious tensions between Islam and Christianity, inciting riots after the appeal was rejected.
Riots resulted in 18 deaths and 173 injuries, fueled by perceptions of British bias towards Dutch interests and discrimination against Muslim traditions.

Anti-National Service Riots

Protests by approximately 500 students against National Service on 13 May 1954 led to police intervention and injuries.
On 22 May 1954, thousands protested against the closing of Chinese-medium schools, causing significant unrest.
Students resisted registration for National Service, feeling betrayed by a foreign power due to disruptions in their education and perceived discrimination against Chinese schools.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Learn about the British Military Administration in Singapore and Malaya after World War II and how they addressed post-war problems in Singapore.