7 riots Flashcards
1950 Maria Hertogh Riots
Elaboration: The riots erupted due to discontent with the British handling of the custody battle over Maria Hertogh, a 13-year-old of Dutch Catholic parentage. Her mother, Adeline Hertogh, sought her return from Che Aminah, a local Muslim caregiver. The British court’s decision to return Maria to her biological parents, along with sensationalized media coverage, triggered riots by Che Aminah’s supporters. Rioters overturned cars, set them on fire, and attacked Europeans and Eurasians, causing 18 deaths and 173 injuries. The unrest led to property damage, shop closures, and increased communal tensions. Explanation: The Muslim community’s anger over perceived bias in favor of the Dutch parents and disrespect towards their religion fueled the riots. Sensational media coverage worsened anti-European sentiments, escalating the violence.Custody battle over Maria Hertogh between her Dutch biological parents and her Malay adopted parents.
The court’s decision that Maria be returned to her biological parents infuriated the Muslim community - It was seen as a direct attack on Islam by a Christian court.
Europeans were attacked and many vehicles were burnt.
Further heightened anti-colonial feelings as the people to perceived that the British were biased towards Europeans against the Asians
1954 Anti-National Service (NS) Riots
Elaboration: Triggered by the British National Service Ordinance of 1953, mandating all males aged 18 to 20 to register by May 1954. Students from Chinese-medium schools felt neglected in favor of English-medium schools. On 13 May 1954, about 500 students protested, leading to violence with police intervention. Protests spread, including student lock-ins at Chung Cheng High School. The British postponed NS registration, boosting student morale and leading to the formation of the Singapore Chinese Middle School Students’ Union (SCMSSU). Explanation: The riots reflected dissatisfaction with the British government’s perceived discrimination and neglect of Chinese-medium schools. Violent clashes arose from frustrations over educational inequalities and future prospects.In response to security threats such as the Malayan Emergency, the British passed the 1953 National Service Ordinance, which would require all males aged 18-20 to register for National Service
This angered Chinese students because:
Their education would be disrupted
No chance of tertiary education 🡪 Few job opportunities
Unwilling to defend a foreign government that they felt did not defend them
Disagreed with being sent to fight against their ‘fellow Chinese’
The Communists used this opportunity to stir up anti-government feelings among these students.
13 May 1954
500 students held a protest march against the National Service Ordinance.
In response, the British deployed riot police who were equipped with batons and shields.
The protest soon devolved into a violent riot as the students clashed with the police, leaving 26 injured.
Intensified anti-colonial feelings among the students and the public
The British action of deploying riot police was viewed as evidence that the British were willing to use violence against the people, leading to more sympathy for the students and their cause
Encouraged the Chinese-educated students to be more politically active – Resulted in the formation of organized student groups like the Singapore Chinese Middle School Students’ Union (SCMSSU)
1955 Hock Lee Bus Riots
Elaboration: Started in April 1955 when Hock Lee Amalgamated Bus Company workers, led by the Singapore Bus Workers’ Union (SBWU), struck due to grievances like unfair treatment. The dismissal of 229 workers led to hunger strikes and blockades. Over 10,000 students joined, leading to violent clashes with police, using batons and water hoses. The riots resulted in 4 deaths and 31 injuries and ended after an agreement to reinstate the dismissed workers. Explanation: The riots highlighted labor dissatisfaction and the government’s handling of worker grievances. The British perceived the new government’s management of unrest as ineffective, impacting self-government negotiations.
1956 Chinese Middle School Student Riots
Elaboration: In September 1956, the government banned the Singapore Chinese Middle School Students’ Union (SCMSSU) due to its communist ties. Protests by 5,000 students led to school takeovers demanding SCMSSU re-registration. Expulsions of 142 students sparked further protests. On 24 October, Lim Yew Hock’s radio broadcast urging students to vacate schools led to violent clashes with police, lasting three days. Troops from Malaya were called in, resulting in 13 deaths and over 120 injuries, and key union leaders were arrested. Explanation: The riots were a reaction to perceived government repression and student expulsions. Lim Yew Hock’s firm stance, although controversial, was approved by the British and seen as decisive in the unrest, affecting self-government negotiations.
Riots’ concept?
Unpacking Inquiry Question: Respond
Why
do you think people chose to resist British colonial rule?
Why
do you think people chose to give in to British colonial rule?
FIGHT
Stand your ground
Resist
Persevere in your cause
FLIGHT
Give in
Retreat
Move on
What did the people want?
The British Colonial Government
Anti-communist
Wanted to maintain colonial rule
The Local Leaders
Most wanted independence or more political power
The Masses
Some wanted independence
Most wanted their living conditions improved
Are these goals compatible? What might be the likely outcome?
