16 Questions
What was the main source of income for the British East India Company in the 19th century?
India-China trade
Why did the British want to remove Dutch control of the Straits of Melaka and Sunda Straits?
To earn more money from the India-China trade
Why was Penang an unsuitable trading port for the British?
It was too far north to control the Straits of Melaka
What was the outcome of the dispute between the British and the Dutch over Singapore?
A contract was signed to establish Singapore as a British colony
Why was the spice trade highly valued in the 19th century?
It was a valuable and expensive commodity
What prevented the British East India Company from gaining access to spices?
Dutch control of the Straits of Melaka and Sunda Straits
What was the significance of Singapore's location for the British?
It was a strategic location for controlling the Straits of Melaka
What was the main reason for establishing a trading post in Singapore?
To gain access to the lucrative India-China trade
What was the advantage of taking the route through the Straits of Melaka?
It reduced the amount and cost of supplies needed, and minimized the risk of pirate attacks and accidents
What led to the decline of Srivijaya?
External threats, forced changes in trade routes, and decline of the Silk Road
Why did traders stop using the Silk Road?
There were increased dangers and difficulties involved in traveling the Silk Road
What led to the rise of Singapore in the 14th century?
The decline of Srivijaya and increase in trade
What made early Singapore attractive to traders?
Its good location, being midway between India and China, and located along the Straits of Melaka
What was the advantage of Singapore's location?
It was midway between India and China
What led to the decline of Singapore?
Climatic and economic changes, and external threats
Why was Srivijaya not safe for traders?
It was vulnerable to attacks by other larger powers in the region
Study Notes
Early Singapore's Connection to the Region and the World
- Located off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, along the Straits of Melaka
- Ships sailing from China to India and beyond had to pass through the Straits of Melaka, reducing travel time and costs
- Alternative routes through the islands further east took longer to complete
Decline of Srivijaya
- External threats led to its downfall, as it was a small island and vulnerable to attacks
- Changes in trade routes forced traders to use the maritime route instead of the Silk Road
- Srivijaya was a powerful port, but its vulnerability led to its decline
Rise of Singapore in the 14th century
- Decline of Srivijaya created a need for a new trading port
- Increase in trade led to a need for more trading ports
Attractiveness of Early Singapore to Traders
- Strategic location as a midway point between India and China
- Located along the Straits of Melaka, with benefits from the monsoon wind
Decline of Early Singapore
- Climatic and economic changes, as well as external threats, led to its decline
British Involvement in Southeast Asia
- 1819: Sir Stamford Raffles establishes a trading post in Singapore
- 1824: Dispute over Singapore is settled, and it becomes a British colony of the Straits Settlements along with Malacca and Penang
British Involvement in Southeast Asia (continued)
- Importance of the India-China trade, which was the EIC's major source of income
- Control over the Straits of Melaka and surrounding waters ensured protection of the India-China trade
- Desire to remove Dutch control over the route and earn more money
Spice Trade and British Interest
- High demand for spices, valuable and a sign of wealth
- European powers competed for control over the spice trade
British Establishment of a Trading Post in Singapore
- Problems faced by the EIC in Southeast Asia: Dutch control of the spice trade and Strait of Melaka
- Unsuitability of existing British ports, such as Penang and Bencoolen
- Singapore's suitability: strategic location, access to the India-China trade route, and minimal Dutch control
Learn about the strategic location of Singapore in the region and its importance in global trade. Discover how the Straits of Melaka facilitated trade between China and India.
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