Political Changes in Hong Kong (1945-1966)
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Questions and Answers

What was Grantham's concern regarding the elected members of the Municipal Council during the Chinese Civil War?

  • They were mostly unqualified individuals.
  • They would likely support the Young Plan.
  • They could be potential threats to stability. (correct)
  • They could bring positive changes to governance.
  • What did Grantham propose to the British government regarding the Young Plan?

  • To completely drop it. (correct)
  • To accelerate its implementation.
  • To revise the financial terms.
  • To extend its deadlines.
  • What was the public's primary concern as indicated in the content?

  • National security.
  • Livelihood issues. (correct)
  • International relations.
  • Political reform.
  • When was the Young Plan officially cancelled?

    <ol start="1952"> <li>(D)</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

    Who became the Hong Kong Governor in 1947?

    <p>Grantham. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What global trend influenced the political changes in Hong Kong between 1945 and 1966?

    <p>A trend towards decolonization (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which political reform was introduced in Hong Kong in 1946?

    <p>The Municipal Council (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many members were in the newly established Municipal Council?

    <p>30 members (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a major concern for British merchants regarding the political changes in Hong Kong?

    <p>Increase in Chinese political influence (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who suggested the establishment of the Municipal Council in Hong Kong?

    <p>Governor Mark Young (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What portion of the Municipal Council's members were appointed?

    <p>10 out of 30 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why did the British government and the public not receive the political reforms well?

    <p>They feared increased Chinese political influence (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the intended outcome of the Young Plan's introduction of the Municipal Council?

    <p>To create a more inclusive political representation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what year did the number of Chinese members in the Executive Council increase to 8 unofficial members?

    <p>1966 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the total number of unofficial members in the Legislative Council in 1966?

    <p>13 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many unofficial members were elected in the Urban Council in 1952?

    <p>4 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What voting qualifications were required for the Urban Council in 1965?

    <p>Payers on the jury list and those with professional qualifications (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Before World War II, how many Chinese members were in the Legislative Council?

    <p>4 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what year did the first elected seats appear in the Executive and Legislative Councils?

    <p>1966 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the number of Chinese members change in the Urban Council by 1965?

    <p>It increased from 2 to 4 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the composition of unofficial to official members in the Executive Council in 1966?

    <p>8 unofficial to 6 official (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary purpose of setting up the UMELCO Office in 1963?

    <p>To strengthen relations between unofficial members and the public. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which year were 72 advisory committees formed within the government structure?

    <p>1962 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a notable feature of the public's ability to file complaints in the 1960s?

    <p>The public rarely filed complaints during this period. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which committee was established to address narcotics in 1965?

    <p>Action Committee Against Narcotics (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant event led to the migration of mainland Chinese to the South after 1949?

    <p>The outbreak of the Civil War in mainland China. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the public's method for expressing opinions to the government through the UMELCO Office?

    <p>Public complaints and feedback. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role did advisory committees serve within the government as indicated in the 1960s?

    <p>To gather public opinion for policy formulation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what year did the Action Committee Against Narcotics emerge?

    <p>1965 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the consequences of the establishment of advisory bodies?

    <p>Increased public engagement in politics (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    By how much did the number of civil servants increase from the pre-WWII period to the early 1960s?

    <p>From less than 10,000 to around 50,000 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which department was established first in 1958 as part of limited reforms?

    <p>Social Welfare Department (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the motivation behind establishing an extensive consultation system?

    <p>To gather public opinions for policy formulation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which committee was formed in 1962 as part of regulatory reforms?

    <p>Company Law Revision Committee (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary focus of the Information Services Department established in 1959?

    <p>Enhancing government communication (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterized the reforms carried out after 1958?

    <p>Limited reforms without radical changes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a key aspect of administering limited reforms in the 1960s?

    <p>Developing new government departments (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant impact of the unstable political conditions in mainland China during the 1960s?

    <p>Migration of a large number of Chinese to Hong Kong (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a response from the government to meet the demand for public services in Hong Kong?

    <p>Increased housing and social welfare measures (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What change occurred in the civil service after WWII in Hong Kong?

    <p>Implementation of localization policies (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who was notable for being appointed as an Administrative Officer in 1948?

    <p>Tsui Ka-cheung (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the population of Hong Kong by 1961?

    <p>3 million (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which decade did Hong Kong begin actively recruiting locals into senior civil service positions?

    <p>1950s (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the main reasons the government had to adapt its policies during the 1960s?

    <p>Increase in public service demands (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the dominant demographic in senior civil service roles in Hong Kong before WWII?

    <p>British officials (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Young Plan

    A plan by Governor Mark Young in 1946 to reform Hong Kong's government. It proposed creating a Municipal Council with elected and appointed members, aimed at introducing a more democratic system.

    Municipal Council (市議會)

    A local governing body established in Hong Kong in 1946, replacing the Urban Council. It was intended to be a step towards more local representation with both elected and appointed members, aiming for a balance between Chinese and British influence.

    Democracy

    A system of government where citizens elect representatives to make decisions for them, rather than a single ruler or authoritarian regime.

    Decolonization

    The process by which colonies gained independence from their colonial rulers, often fueled by nationalist movements and changing international norms.

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    British Reluctance to Surrender Hong Kong

    The British government's reluctance to relinquish control over Hong Kong due to its strategic location for trade and economic interests.

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    Increasing Political Influence of Chinese

    The influence exerted by Chinese residents in Hong Kong's political landscape, which was a point of concern for British merchants who feared the potential loss of their economic dominance.

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    UN Charter's Statement on Self-Governance

    The UN Charter's declaration in 1945 that colonial people should have the right to self-determination, a key factor influencing the movement towards decolonization worldwide.

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    Global Trend Towards Decolonization

    The historical context of global decolonization, where countries across the world were gaining independence from colonial rule, influencing Hong Kong despite its unique circumstances.

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    Who was the British Governor of Hong Kong during the implementation of the Young Plan?

    Sir Alexander Grantham was the Governor of Hong Kong between 1947 and 1952.

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    What was the Young Plan?

    The Young Plan was a proposal to give Hong Kong residents a larger role in government, with elected representatives for the Municipal Council.

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    Why did Grantham oppose the Young Plan?

    Sir Alexander Grantham was concerned about the potential instability caused by the Chinese Civil War and felt that the Young Plan could empower elements that posed a threat to British control.

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    What happened to the Young Plan?

    The Young Plan was officially abandoned in 1952, signaling a delay in democratic reforms for Hong Kong.

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    Why did the Chinese leaders want to retain their privilege in politics?

    The Chinese leaders were more focused on maintaining their political power rather than supporting democratic reforms.

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    Enhancing Representativeness of Councils

    The way Hong Kong's Councils were designed to have more Chinese members, indicating a growing sense of Chinese representation.

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    Why were more Chinese members added to the Councils?

    The British government allowed more Chinese members in Councils to address a growing sense of Chinese nationalism and to maintain stability in Hong Kong.

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    How did the Chinese representation in Councils change after WWII?

    The number of Chinese members in the Executive Council, Legislative Council, and Urban Council increased significantly in the years following World War II.

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    What happened in 1966 regarding the Executive Council?

    In 1966, the number of unofficial members in the Executive Council surpassed the number of official members, highlighting the growing influence of Chinese in government.

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    How did the Urban Council become more democratic?

    The Urban Council increased the number of directly elected unofficial members in 1952 and 1965, signifying a move towards greater democratic representation.

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    Were there elected seats for Chinese in the Executive and Legislative Councils before 1966?

    While the Urban Council had some elections, there were still no elected seats for Chinese in the Executive and Legislative Councils until 1966.

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    What were the voting rules for the Urban Council elections in 1965?

    The voting criteria for the Urban Council elections in 1965 were strict, only allowing payers on the jury list and those with certain professional qualifications to vote.

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    Why were direct elections limited at first?

    Initially, the British limited direct elections in the Councils to maintain control, but as local demands and political realities changed, they gradually introduced more democratic elements.

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    Action Committee Against Narcotics

    A group formed in 1965 to address the problem of narcotics in Hong Kong.

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    Advisory Committees (1962)

    Advisory committees set up in 1962 within the Hong Kong government to provide advice on various issues.

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    UMELCO Office

    Established in 1963 to strengthen communication between the government and the public, allowing citizens to express their opinions and file complaints.

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    Mainland China's Civil War (1946-1949)

    A period of conflict in mainland China (1946-1949) that led to a large number of Chinese people migrating to Hong Kong.

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    Migration of Mainland Chinese to Hong Kong

    The migration of Chinese from mainland China to Hong Kong, particularly after the Civil War in 1949.

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    Growing Chinese Population in Hong Kong

    The increased presence of Chinese in Hong Kong, which contributed to the growing demand for political representation.

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    Self-Governance

    The idea that people have the right to determine their own form of government, a key principle in the UN Charter.

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    Limited Reforms in Hong Kong

    The British government's strategy of limited reforms in Hong Kong, aimed at maintaining control while addressing local concerns.

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    Strengthening British Legitimacy

    The British government's attempt to strengthen its legitimacy in Hong Kong by creating new departments and increasing the number of civil servants.

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    Advisory Bodies for Consultation

    Advisory bodies were set up to consult with local elites and the public, aiming to incorporate public interests into policy decisions.

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    Involving Local Elites

    The British government wanted to ensure local elites felt included in the political process, aiming to prevent dissent and maintain their legitimacy.

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    Responding to Public Demands

    The establishment of new departments and advisory bodies was intended to meet the demands of a growing population and address concerns raised by the public.

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    Growth of Civil Service

    The increase in the number of civil servants was a sign of a growing government and its expanding role in managing Hong Kong's affairs.

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    Improving Communication

    The British government's efforts to improve communication with the public were aimed at maintaining trust and preventing future unrest.

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    British Control Strategies

    The British government's focus on limited reforms, establishing advisory bodies, and involving local elites was designed to maintain control and prevent any radical political changes.

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    Localization of the Civil Service in Hong Kong

    The process of replacing British officials with local Chinese in the Hong Kong civil service, gradually giving more power to locals.

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    Post-WWII Localization

    The period following World War II in Hong Kong where the British government implemented a policy of gradually replacing British officials with local Chinese in the civil service.

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    Tsui Ka-cheung's Appointment as A.O.

    A prominent example of localization where Tsui Ka-cheung was appointed as the Administrative Officer (A.O.) in 1948. This signaled the British government's growing reliance on local talent.

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    Recruiting Local Chinese as A.O.s

    In the 1950s, a significant effort was made to recruit local Chinese as A.O.s, further solidifying the shift towards a localized workforce.

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    Post-Civil War Immigration

    The influx of Chinese people into Hong Kong after the Chinese Civil War, contributing to a rapid population growth.

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    Growing Demand for Public Services

    The rapid population growth in Hong Kong after World War II, leading to increased demand for public services like housing and social welfare.

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    Increased Social Welfare Measures

    Government spending and social programs to meet the increasing needs of a rapidly growing population after World War II.

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    Shift in Civil Service Power

    Before World War II, British officials held positions of power and influence in Hong Kong's civil service. Afterward, the British government began to implement a policy of localization, gradually handing over control to Chinese officials.

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    Study Notes

    Background

    • A global trend towards decolonization
    • In June 1945, the UN Charter stated all colonial people should have the right to self-governance
    • This sentiment swept across the world
    • Britain was forced to introduce some political and institutional changes

    Political Reform Attempts

    • Young Plan (1946):

      • Suggested by Governor Mark Young
      • Proposed the establishment of the Municipal Council to replace the Urban Council
      • The new council consisted of 30 members (20 elected directly, 10 appointed)
      • Half of the seats were Chinese
      • Not well-received by the British government and public
      • British merchants feared increasing Chinese political influence
      • Chinese leaders wanted to retain political privileges
      • General public prioritized livelihood over political reform
    • 1947 Grantham:

      • Became the HK Governor
      • Stalled implementation of the Young Plan
      • Believed elected members of the Municipal Council could be dangerous given the HK situation during the Chinese Civil War
      • Proposed dropping the Young Plan to the British Government
    • 1952:

      • The Young Plan was officially canceled

    Enhancing Representativeness of Councils

    • More Chinese members were appointed to executive, legislative, and urban councils
    • Example:
      • Executive Council: Number of unofficial members (8) exceeded the number of official members (6) in 1966
      • Legislative Council: Number of unofficial members (13) equaled the number of official members (13) in 1966, with increased Chinese members from 4 before WWII to 9 in 1966
      • Urban Council: Increased elected unofficial members from 2 to 4 in 1952; half of the 16 unofficial members elected in 1965 subject to strict voting qualifications (mainly paying taxes and having professional qualifications)

    Establishment of New China

    • 1949, establishment of the PRC
    • PRC stressed resuming its exercise of Hong Kong's sovereignty
    • Britain allowed to keep governing Hong Kong short term
    • Condition of no radical political reforms
    • This strengthened Britain's legitimacy in governing HK

    Migration of Mainland Chinese

    • 1946: Civil War in mainland China causes mass migration to the South
    • 1949 onward: Continued mass movement due to unstable political conditions
    • This led to an increase in Hong Kong's population (reaching 3 million in 1961)
    • This increase led to a greater demand for public services, requiring additional housing and welfare measures

    Expansion and Specialization of Gov't Departments

    • Many independent departments separated from the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs
    • Department examples include:
      • Labor Department (1946)
      • Social Welfare Department (1958)
      • Information Services Department (1959)
      • Immigration Department (1961)
      • Agriculture and Fisheries Department (1964)
    • Civil servants increased significantly in number, rising from less than 10,000 pre-WWII to approximately 50,000 in early 1960s

    Improving Communication with the Public

    • Establishment of advisory bodies:

      • Devised policies to cater to public interest and satsify local elites
      • Extensive consultation established, like the Company Law Revision Committee (1962), Action Committee Against Narcotics (1965), and Transport Advisory Committee (1965)
    • Setting up the UMELCO (Under the umbrella of the Executive Council) Office:

      • Strengthened relations between unofficial members and the general public to gather public opinions.

    Localization in the Civil Service

    • Policy to increase representation of local Chinese in the civil service ranks began after WWII.
    • Example:
      • A.Os in 1948-1960s, gradual increase of recruitment of local Chinese.

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    Description

    This quiz explores the political landscape of Hong Kong from 1945 to 1966, focusing on key figures and events that shaped governance. It covers concerns raised by Grantham, public reactions, the Young Plan, and the introduction of the Municipal Council. Test your knowledge about the political reforms and their impact during this pivotal period.

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