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Questions and Answers
The defeat of European forces by an Asian power, the ______ empire and the Japanese Occupation accelerated the growth of anti-colonial feelings
The defeat of European forces by an Asian power, the ______ empire and the Japanese Occupation accelerated the growth of anti-colonial feelings
Japanese
In 1947, ______ gained independence from British rule
In 1947, ______ gained independence from British rule
India
In 1949, ______ became free from the Dutch
In 1949, ______ became free from the Dutch
Indonesia
In 1954, ______ overthrew their French colonial masters
In 1954, ______ overthrew their French colonial masters
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This affected Singapore as they felt betrayed and lost trust in the ______ after they surrendered Singapore to the Japanese during the war
This affected Singapore as they felt betrayed and lost trust in the ______ after they surrendered Singapore to the Japanese during the war
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Locals believed that they should be in control of their own fate and wanted to be free from ______ rule
Locals believed that they should be in control of their own fate and wanted to be free from ______ rule
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After World War II (WWII) ended, ______ and USSR emerged as superpowers and fought in the Cold War
After World War II (WWII) ended, ______ and USSR emerged as superpowers and fought in the Cold War
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Both had large populations, strong ______ and rich resources
Both had large populations, strong ______ and rich resources
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Around the world, people were increasingly dissatisfied with ______ rule and wanted to be in control of their own fate
Around the world, people were increasingly dissatisfied with ______ rule and wanted to be in control of their own fate
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The weakening of ______ rule affected post-war Singapore
The weakening of ______ rule affected post-war Singapore
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The USA practiced ______ where people could exercise their freedom of choice to vote for their government.
The USA practiced ______ where people could exercise their freedom of choice to vote for their government.
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The USSR practiced ______ where people had to give up their freedom of choice to be governed under a dictatorship.
The USSR practiced ______ where people had to give up their freedom of choice to be governed under a dictatorship.
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The Malayan Communist Party (MCP) had a lot of support from the people in ______ and Malaya.
The Malayan Communist Party (MCP) had a lot of support from the people in ______ and Malaya.
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The British were afraid that ______ would turn communist.
The British were afraid that ______ would turn communist.
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The British were more hesitant to grant ______ to Singapore and Malaya.
The British were more hesitant to grant ______ to Singapore and Malaya.
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Maria Hertogh’s name was changed by her foster parents to ______.
Maria Hertogh’s name was changed by her foster parents to ______.
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The USSR did not allow people to own ______ properties and businesses.
The USSR did not allow people to own ______ properties and businesses.
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The USA and USSR had opposing ______ during WWII.
The USA and USSR had opposing ______ during WWII.
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______ Riots occurred in the early 1950s.
______ Riots occurred in the early 1950s.
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Maria Hertogh was from a ______ family.
Maria Hertogh was from a ______ family.
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A British judge ordered that Maria be returned to her birth parents, but Che appealed against the ______.
A British judge ordered that Maria be returned to her birth parents, but Che appealed against the ______.
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The case was portrayed in the newspapers as a religious conflict between ______ and Christianity.
The case was portrayed in the newspapers as a religious conflict between ______ and Christianity.
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Riots occurred when the judge rejected Che’s ______.
Riots occurred when the judge rejected Che’s ______.
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Che’s supporters attacked Europeans and ______ during the riots.
Che’s supporters attacked Europeans and ______ during the riots.
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A ______ was imposed to put a stop to the riots.
A ______ was imposed to put a stop to the riots.
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Around 500 students protested against National Service on 13 May ______, causing a response from the police.
Around 500 students protested against National Service on 13 May ______, causing a response from the police.
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The clash between students and police left ______ injured.
The clash between students and police left ______ injured.
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Thousands of students locked themselves in classrooms in Chung Cheng High School in protest on 22 May ______.
Thousands of students locked themselves in classrooms in Chung Cheng High School in protest on 22 May ______.
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Students protested as they felt the British discriminated against ______ education.
Students protested as they felt the British discriminated against ______ education.
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Students were unwilling to register for National Service to defend a foreign ______.
Students were unwilling to register for National Service to defend a foreign ______.
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Japan officially surrendered to the Allies on 2 September 1945, marking the end of World War ___
Japan officially surrendered to the Allies on 2 September 1945, marking the end of World War ___
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From 5 September 1945 to 31 March 1946, Singapore and Malaya came under the rule of the British Military ___.
From 5 September 1945 to 31 March 1946, Singapore and Malaya came under the rule of the British Military ___.
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The British aimed to manage housing shortages through the Singapore Improvement ___ (SIT).
The British aimed to manage housing shortages through the Singapore Improvement ___ (SIT).
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Many continued to live in cramped conditions despite SIT building about 1742 houses per year from 1947 to ___.
Many continued to live in cramped conditions despite SIT building about 1742 houses per year from 1947 to ___.
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The year 1947 was known as 'The Year of ___' due to over 300 strikes in Singapore.
The year 1947 was known as 'The Year of ___' due to over 300 strikes in Singapore.
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From 1947, trade unions had to be registered with the government to monitor ___ and clamp down on threats.
From 1947, trade unions had to be registered with the government to monitor ___ and clamp down on threats.
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Locals in Singapore felt they should have more say in the country's affairs and wanted independence from colonial ___.
Locals in Singapore felt they should have more say in the country's affairs and wanted independence from colonial ___.
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In 1948, people were given rights to ___ for local representatives into the government.
In 1948, people were given rights to ___ for local representatives into the government.
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Under the Rendel Constitution, the number of local representatives increased from 6 in 1948 to ___ in 1955.
Under the Rendel Constitution, the number of local representatives increased from 6 in 1948 to ___ in 1955.
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Only the Singapore Progressive Party (SPP) contested the election and won 3 out of the ___ seats.
Only the Singapore Progressive Party (SPP) contested the election and won 3 out of the ___ seats.
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The defeat of European forces by an Asian power, the ______ empire and the Japanese Occupation accelerated the growth of anti-colonial feelings
The defeat of European forces by an Asian power, the ______ empire and the Japanese Occupation accelerated the growth of anti-colonial feelings
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In 1947, ______ gained independence from British rule
In 1947, ______ gained independence from British rule
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In 1949, ______ became free from the Dutch
In 1949, ______ became free from the Dutch
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In 1954, ______ overthrew their French colonial masters
In 1954, ______ overthrew their French colonial masters
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This affected Singapore as they felt betrayed and lost trust in the ______ after they surrendered Singapore to the Japanese during the war
This affected Singapore as they felt betrayed and lost trust in the ______ after they surrendered Singapore to the Japanese during the war
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Locals believed that they should be in control of their own fate and wanted to be free from ______ rule
Locals believed that they should be in control of their own fate and wanted to be free from ______ rule
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After World War II (WWII) ended, ______ and USSR emerged as superpowers and fought in the Cold War
After World War II (WWII) ended, ______ and USSR emerged as superpowers and fought in the Cold War
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Both had large populations, strong ______ and rich resources
Both had large populations, strong ______ and rich resources
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Around the world, people were increasingly dissatisfied with ______ rule and wanted to be in control of their own fate
Around the world, people were increasingly dissatisfied with ______ rule and wanted to be in control of their own fate
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The weakening of ______ rule affected post-war Singapore
The weakening of ______ rule affected post-war Singapore
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The USA practiced democracy/capitalism where people could exercise their freedom of choice to vote for their ______.
The USA practiced democracy/capitalism where people could exercise their freedom of choice to vote for their ______.
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The USSR practiced communism where people had to give up their freedom of choice to be governed under a ______.
The USSR practiced communism where people had to give up their freedom of choice to be governed under a ______.
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One’s freedom was less important than the benefit of ______.
One’s freedom was less important than the benefit of ______.
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The Malayan Communist Party (MCP) tried to kick the British out of ______ and Malaya.
The Malayan Communist Party (MCP) tried to kick the British out of ______ and Malaya.
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Maria Hertogh was adopted during the Japanese ______.
Maria Hertogh was adopted during the Japanese ______.
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Maria’s name was changed by her foster parents to ______ binte Ma'arof.
Maria’s name was changed by her foster parents to ______ binte Ma'arof.
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Riots occurred in the early ______ due to the Maria Hertogh case.
Riots occurred in the early ______ due to the Maria Hertogh case.
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A British judge ordered that Maria be returned to her birth ______.
A British judge ordered that Maria be returned to her birth ______.
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The case was portrayed in the newspapers as a religious ______.
The case was portrayed in the newspapers as a religious ______.
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Che’s supporters attacked ______ during the riots.
Che’s supporters attacked ______ during the riots.
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After World War II, many countries rose up against their colonial ______ and fought for independence
After World War II, many countries rose up against their colonial ______ and fought for independence
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The defeat of European forces by the Japanese empire and the Japanese Occupation accelerated the growth of anti-______ feelings
The defeat of European forces by the Japanese empire and the Japanese Occupation accelerated the growth of anti-______ feelings
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Locals in Singapore felt they should have more say in the country's affairs and wanted independence from colonial ______
Locals in Singapore felt they should have more say in the country's affairs and wanted independence from colonial ______
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The growing influence of ______ affected post-war Singapore
The growing influence of ______ affected post-war Singapore
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Around the world, people were increasingly dissatisfied with ______ rule and wanted to be in control of their own fate
Around the world, people were increasingly dissatisfied with ______ rule and wanted to be in control of their own fate
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The USA and USSR emerged as ______ after World War II
The USA and USSR emerged as ______ after World War II
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Both the USA and USSR had large ______, strong militaries and rich resources
Both the USA and USSR had large ______, strong militaries and rich resources
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The British Military ______ ruled Singapore and Malaya from 5 September 1945 to 31 March 1946
The British Military ______ ruled Singapore and Malaya from 5 September 1945 to 31 March 1946
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The year 1947 was known as 'The Year of ______' due to over 300 strikes in Singapore
The year 1947 was known as 'The Year of ______' due to over 300 strikes in Singapore
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Under the Rendel Constitution, the number of local representatives increased from 6 in 1948 to ______ in 1955
Under the Rendel Constitution, the number of local representatives increased from 6 in 1948 to ______ in 1955
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After the atomic bombs, Japan officially surrendered on 2 September 1945, marking the end of World War ___.
After the atomic bombs, Japan officially surrendered on 2 September 1945, marking the end of World War ___.
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People in Singapore experienced housing shortages due to the post-war baby ___.
People in Singapore experienced housing shortages due to the post-war baby ___.
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The Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) was established in 1927 to provide low-cost housing for the ___.
The Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) was established in 1927 to provide low-cost housing for the ___.
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In 1947, there were over 300 strikes in Singapore, an event known as 'The Year of ___.
In 1947, there were over 300 strikes in Singapore, an event known as 'The Year of ___.
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The British passed laws to control trade unions, suspecting that __ were stirring up anti-colonial feelings.
The British passed laws to control trade unions, suspecting that __ were stirring up anti-colonial feelings.
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Locals wanted to control their own fate and were influenced by the global wave of ___.
Locals wanted to control their own fate and were influenced by the global wave of ___.
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Under the Rendel Constitution, the number of local representatives in the government increased to ___ in 1955.
Under the Rendel Constitution, the number of local representatives in the government increased to ___ in 1955.
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Many immigrants were not allowed to vote as they were not born in Britain or British ___.
Many immigrants were not allowed to vote as they were not born in Britain or British ___.
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Only about 22,000 people were registered to vote out of the 960,000 people in ___.
Only about 22,000 people were registered to vote out of the 960,000 people in ___.
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Trade unions were no longer allowed to use funds to organise strikes and protests against the ___.
Trade unions were no longer allowed to use funds to organise strikes and protests against the ___.
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Study Notes
British Rule after WWII
- Japan's surrender on 2 September 1945 marked the end of WWII, leading to British Military Administration in Singapore and Malaya from September 1945 to March 1946.
Housing Shortages
- Rapid population growth post-war, driven by a baby boom, worsened housing shortages.
- Singapore suffered from high birth rates in the 1940s and 1950s, compounded by extensive war damage to housing.
- Many citizens resided in overcrowded conditions, such as slums.
- The Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) aimed to address these issues by implementing a building program for low-cost housing, originally established in 1927.
- SIT constructed 20,907 housing units between 1947 and 1959, but only met roughly 10% of the annual housing demand.
Unsatisfactory Working Conditions and Industrial Unrest
- Post-war, workers faced poor working conditions and engaged in significant industrial action.
- 1947 was notorious as "The Year of Strikes," with over 300 strikes involving nearly 70,000 workers.
- Notably, trade union leaders like Devan Nair and Jamit Singh advocated for improved conditions through strikes.
- The British government introduced regulations to control trade unions, fearing communist influence stirring unrest.
- From 1947, trade unions required government registration, limiting their ability to organize strikes and protests; however, strikes persisted into the 1950s.
Political Rights and Freedom
- There was a growing desire among Singaporeans for increased political rights and autonomy.
- Influenced by global decolonization movements, locals sought greater control over their government and future.
- The British initiated political tutelage to prepare Singapore for self-government, allowing voting for local representatives starting in 1948.
- The Rendel Constitution increased local representation from 6 to 25 members by 1955 but saw low voter turnout due to restrictions on immigrants' voting rights.
- Of approximately 960,000 residents, only about 22,000 were registered to vote, with merely 14,000 participating in elections.
Weakening of Colonial Rule
- There was a global trend against colonialism, amplified by Japan’s earlier victory over European powers during WWII.
- The defeat of colonial governments led to increased anti-colonial sentiments, with countries like India (1947), Indonesia (1949), and Vietnam (1954) achieving independence.
- Singaporeans felt betrayed by the British for surrendering to the Japanese, amplifying calls for independence from colonial rule.
Growing Influence of Communism
- Post-WWII, the emergence of the USA and USSR as superpowers was marked by ideological rivalry during the Cold War.
- The USA promoted democracy and capitalism, while the USSR supported communism, leading to heightened tensions.
- The Malayan Communist Party garnered popular support in Singapore and Malaya, compelling British caution regarding independence to prevent a communist takeover.
Maria Hertogh Riots
- The Maria Hertogh case involved a conflict between her foster Muslim family and her Dutch biological parents, leading to a religious and cultural clash.
- When a British court ruled against Che Aminah’s appeal for custody, riots erupted following a rejection of her request.
- Rioters targeted Europeans and Eurasians, resulting in 18 deaths and 173 injuries; the violence stemmed from perceptions of colonial bias against Islam.
Anti-National Service Riots
- On 13 May 1954, 500 students protested against National Service, leading to police intervention and violence.
- A significant protest occurred on 22 May when students occupied classrooms in response to the British's closure of Chinese schools.
- Resentment grew as students felt that National Service disrupted their education and that the British government favored English education.
- The protests highlighted feelings of alienation towards a foreign authority perceived as oppressive and discriminatory.
British Rule after WWII
- Japan's surrender on 2 September 1945 marked the end of WWII, leading to British Military Administration in Singapore and Malaya from September 1945 to March 1946.
Housing Shortages
- Rapid population growth post-war, driven by a baby boom, worsened housing shortages.
- Singapore suffered from high birth rates in the 1940s and 1950s, compounded by extensive war damage to housing.
- Many citizens resided in overcrowded conditions, such as slums.
- The Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) aimed to address these issues by implementing a building program for low-cost housing, originally established in 1927.
- SIT constructed 20,907 housing units between 1947 and 1959, but only met roughly 10% of the annual housing demand.
Unsatisfactory Working Conditions and Industrial Unrest
- Post-war, workers faced poor working conditions and engaged in significant industrial action.
- 1947 was notorious as "The Year of Strikes," with over 300 strikes involving nearly 70,000 workers.
- Notably, trade union leaders like Devan Nair and Jamit Singh advocated for improved conditions through strikes.
- The British government introduced regulations to control trade unions, fearing communist influence stirring unrest.
- From 1947, trade unions required government registration, limiting their ability to organize strikes and protests; however, strikes persisted into the 1950s.
Political Rights and Freedom
- There was a growing desire among Singaporeans for increased political rights and autonomy.
- Influenced by global decolonization movements, locals sought greater control over their government and future.
- The British initiated political tutelage to prepare Singapore for self-government, allowing voting for local representatives starting in 1948.
- The Rendel Constitution increased local representation from 6 to 25 members by 1955 but saw low voter turnout due to restrictions on immigrants' voting rights.
- Of approximately 960,000 residents, only about 22,000 were registered to vote, with merely 14,000 participating in elections.
Weakening of Colonial Rule
- There was a global trend against colonialism, amplified by Japan’s earlier victory over European powers during WWII.
- The defeat of colonial governments led to increased anti-colonial sentiments, with countries like India (1947), Indonesia (1949), and Vietnam (1954) achieving independence.
- Singaporeans felt betrayed by the British for surrendering to the Japanese, amplifying calls for independence from colonial rule.
Growing Influence of Communism
- Post-WWII, the emergence of the USA and USSR as superpowers was marked by ideological rivalry during the Cold War.
- The USA promoted democracy and capitalism, while the USSR supported communism, leading to heightened tensions.
- The Malayan Communist Party garnered popular support in Singapore and Malaya, compelling British caution regarding independence to prevent a communist takeover.
Maria Hertogh Riots
- The Maria Hertogh case involved a conflict between her foster Muslim family and her Dutch biological parents, leading to a religious and cultural clash.
- When a British court ruled against Che Aminah’s appeal for custody, riots erupted following a rejection of her request.
- Rioters targeted Europeans and Eurasians, resulting in 18 deaths and 173 injuries; the violence stemmed from perceptions of colonial bias against Islam.
Anti-National Service Riots
- On 13 May 1954, 500 students protested against National Service, leading to police intervention and violence.
- A significant protest occurred on 22 May when students occupied classrooms in response to the British's closure of Chinese schools.
- Resentment grew as students felt that National Service disrupted their education and that the British government favored English education.
- The protests highlighted feelings of alienation towards a foreign authority perceived as oppressive and discriminatory.
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Learn about the British Military Administration in Singapore and Malaya after WWII, and the housing shortages that followed due to rapid population growth and war damage.