Political Changes in Early 20th Century Hong Kong

The head of the Hong Kong government, representing the British Crown. The Governor held significant power, including appointing members of the Executive and Legislative Councils, making final decisions on policies, and acting as the Commander-in-Chief of British forces in Hong Kong.

The body responsible for formulating and executing government policies. Headed by the Governor, it included official and unofficial members. The Executive Council discussed policies and gave advice to the Governor.

The administrative arm of the Hong Kong government, headed by the Chief Secretary. It managed various departments and oversaw the civil service.

A law-making body in Hong Kong, headed by the Governor. It consisted of official and unofficial members appointed by the Governor. The Legislative Council examined and passed bills, controlled public spending, and monitored the government's performance.

Documents outlining the powers and responsibilities of the Governor, granted by the British Crown. The Letters Patent defined the structure of the Hong Kong government and the Governor's authority.

The Governor was appointed by the British government with significant powers including appointing officials and executing policies.

In the early 20th century, Hong Kong's political system was influenced by the British government, where the Governor was the head of the government, similar to the British Crown.

The Executive and Legislative Councils were primarily advisory bodies, and the Governor held the ultimate authority in policy making.

The Sanitary Board was initially composed only of official members. Unsanitary conditions led to the establishment of the board.

The Governor had to maintain good relationships with British merchants in Hong Kong to ensure economic prosperity in the colony.

The colonial government in Hong Kong increasingly relied on Chinese elites due to their growing economic power. These elites contributed a significant portion of tax revenue, making them essential partners in governance. This reliance became more pronounced as the Chinese population in Hong Kong grew.

The British colonial government in Hong Kong recognized the need to involve Chinese elites in governance due to their increasing economic strength and their growing numbers in the society. They faced a language barrier and needed these elites as intermediaries to manage the Chinese population.

The colonial government in Hong Kong appointed Chinese elites to positions of power, like the Legislative Council, to help manage the growing Chinese population and ensure stability after the Guangdong-Hong Kong General Strike of 1925-26. By including these elites in government, the British aimed to maintain control and prevent further unrest.

The British colonial government in Hong Kong was characterized by an Executive-led government system. The Governor held ultimate authority and controlled most aspects of governance.

The Governor in Hong Kong during the British colonial period held significant power and authority, making decisions that shaped the lives of Hong Kong's residents.

The Colonial Secretariat played a crucial role in the British colonial government of Hong Kong. It served as the administrative arm of the government, executing the policies and decisions made by the Governor.

The Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, founded in 1872, served the Chinese community by providing healthcare, relief work, education, and social services. It expanded into a large organization in 1931 with the establishment of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals.

Established in 1878, Po Leung Kuk aimed to protect vulnerable children and provide care for them. It was instrumental in supporting the government's welfare initiatives.

The Colonial government utilized the participation of Chinese elite to counter anti-colonial forces and strengthen its grip on Hong Kong. It established the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs to facilitate communication with Chinese associations.

Founded in 1866, the District Watch Force aimed to address the limitations of the colonial police force. In 1891, a committee composed of Chinese leaders oversaw its operations.

The District Watch Committee, established in 1891, comprised influential Chinese leaders like Ho Kai and Ho Fok. This advisory committee significantly influenced the handling of Chinese affairs by the Colonial government.

Mutual-aid associations, like the Chinese Mutual-Aid Association, played a significant role in supporting the Chinese community. The colonial government established the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs in 1913.

The Secretariat for Chinese Affairs was established in 1913 to facilitate communication between the Colonial government and Chinese associations. It played a crucial role in promoting understanding and collaboration.

The Colonial government sought to govern Hong Kong by incorporating Chinese elite into government structures, establishing communication channels with Chinese associations, and addressing emerging challenges through collaboration with Chinese leaders.

A system where the military has the power to make and enforce laws, often replacing normal legal processes.

The Chinese were largely prevented from holding key administrative positions in Hong Kong during British rule. This limited their opportunities for social and economic advancement.

A specific area, like a mountain district, designated for exclusive use by a particular group, often based on race or social status.

This ordinance prohibited Chinese people from living in the Peak District, a prime residential area reserved for Westerners.

The Japanese military invaded Hong Kong in 1941, leading to the British surrender and the establishment of Japanese rule.

The Japanese set up a new governing body in Hong Kong after taking over, with various ministries responsible for different areas like civil affairs, finance, and transportation.

The Japanese implemented martial law in Hong Kong, taking control of law enforcement and governance.

Rensuke Isogai, a Japanese general, was appointed as the first governor-general of Hong Kong under Japanese rule.

The Japanese occupation of Hong Kong was divided into three zones: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories, each with its own Area Bureau, administered by a Japanese official.

The Japanese occupation administration relied on local Chinese officials to manage daily affairs, including material management, food distribution, and census recording.

The Chinese Representative Council was a Japanese-established advisory board that included Chinese members like Robert Kotewall, aiming to ensure smooth implementation of policies.

The Japanese government used the Chinese Cooperative Council to address specific issues related to food, relief, and fuel in Hong Kong, helping stabilize the society despite its limited power.

During the Japanese occupation, the use of the Hong Kong dollar was banned, and locals were forced to use the Japanese military yen, affecting people's finances.

To control the population and resources, the Japanese enforced strict rationing policies limiting the amount of resources available for each individual, such as rice.

The Japanese Occupation also implemented a repatriation policy, forcing locals to return to mainland China, leading to displacement and separation for many families.

The Japanese occupation was characterized by strict censorship of news and cultural activities, aiming to control information and prevent dissent.