10 Questions
Who founded Singapore in the early 19th century?
Stamford Raffles
What was Singapore's initial status as a trading settlement?
A free port
When did Singapore become an independent republic?
August 9, 1965
What was the focus of Singapore's modernization program in the late 1960s and 1970s?
Manufacturing
What is Singapore's current rank in the world for per capita GDP?
7th
Which ethnic group became the largest in Singapore by 1827?
Chinese
When did Singapore become a residency of the Presidency of Bengal in British India?
Early 19th century
Which political party won the first elections in Singapore in 1959?
People's Action Party
When did Singapore celebrate its Golden Jubilee of 50 years of independence?
2015
What was the purpose of the Economic Development Board set up in 1961?
To promote Singapore's manufacturing sector
Study Notes
- Singapore was founded in the early 19th century by British statesman Stamford Raffles.
- Singapore was initially a trading settlement with a natural sheltered harbor and free port status.
- Singapore was invaded and occupied by Japan during World War II.
- Singapore gained increasing levels of self-government and merged with Malaysia in 1963 but was expelled from Malaysia due to political differences.
- Singapore became an independent republic on August 9, 1965.
- Singapore embarked on a modernization program in the late 1960s and 1970s focusing on manufacturing, public housing, education, and infrastructure.
- By the 1990s, Singapore had become one of the world's most prosperous nations with a highly developed free market economy.
- Singapore has the highest per capita GDP in Asia and is ranked 7th in the world.
- Singapore's population grew rapidly due to migration from Malaya, China, India, and other parts of Asia.
- Singapore was ceded in perpetuity to the East India Company by the Sultan in 1824 and was grouped with Penang and Malacca to form the Straits Settlements in 1826.- Singapore became a residency of the Presidency of Bengal in British India in the early 19th century.
- Singapore grew to become an important port due to trade with China, the Suez Canal, and production of rubber and tin in Malaya.
- Its status as a free port drew many traders to Singapore, and its location made it a preferred stop for steamships.
- Chinese became the largest ethnic group in Singapore by 1827, followed by Malays and Indians.
- The administration governing Singapore was understaffed and ineffective, leading to social problems such as disease and lawlessness.
- The British government established the Straits Settlements as a separate Crown Colony in 1867, ruled by a governor under the Colonial Office in London.
- The Japanese occupied Singapore from 1942 to 1945, imposing harsh measures and committing atrocities against the local population.
- After the Japanese surrender, Singapore fell into a brief state of violence and disorder, and a British Military Administration was formed.
- Much of the infrastructure had been destroyed during the war, and there was a shortage of food and rampant crime and violence.
- Singapore's post-war period was marked by efforts to rebuild and modernize the city, including the development of public housing and industrialization.After World War II, Singapore experienced economic struggles and political awakening, leading to anti-colonial and nationalist sentiments. The first Singaporean elections in 1948 were limited, and only British subjects had the right to vote. In 1951, a second Legislative Council election was held with the number of elected seats increased to nine. In 1955, David Marshall became the first Chief Minister of Singapore, and the State of Singapore was created. In 1959, Lee Kuan Yew became the first Prime Minister of Singapore after the People's Action Party (PAP) won the elections. The PAP embarked on a vigorous program to address Singapore's various economic and social problems. The PAP leaders believed that Singapore's future lay with Malaya, and they campaigned for a merger. In 1963, Malaya, Singapore, North Borneo, and Sarawak were merged, and Malaysia was formed. Racial tensions increased as ethnic Chinese and other non-Malay ethnic groups in Singapore rejected the discriminatory policies imposed by the Malays. On August 9, 1965, Singapore declared its independence from Malaysia, with Yusof bin Ishak as the head of state and Lee Kuan Yew as prime minister.- Singapore was expelled from Malaysia in 1965 to avoid further bloodshed and became a sovereign, independent nation.
- The early years of Singapore's independence were marked by uncertainty, unemployment, housing, education, and lack of natural resources and land.
- Singapore sought international recognition and joined the United Nations and Commonwealth.
- The Economic Development Board was set up in 1961 to promote Singapore's manufacturing sector, and foreign investment was attracted to the country.
- The service industry also grew, and the government invested heavily in an education system that adopted English as the language of instruction.
- Singapore faced crises such as the Asian financial crisis, SARS, H1N1, and COVID-19 pandemic.
- The country underwent significant political changes, and the People's Action Party dominated the political situation.
- The government implemented policies to promote social integration and trust between the different communities.
- The ruling party won its 13th consecutive general election since Singapore's independence in 2020.
- Singapore celebrated its Golden Jubilee of 50 years of independence in 2015.
Test your knowledge on the fascinating history of Singapore with our quiz! From its founding as a British trading settlement to its independence as a sovereign nation, this quiz covers the major events, milestones, and challenges that have shaped Singapore's development over the past two centuries. Discover how Singapore became one of the world's most prosperous nations, how it overcame economic and political obstacles, and how it has responded to crises and changes in the modern era. Keywords: Singapore, history, independence, British, trade,
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