Chapter 7

Question 1

How did external developments influence the people’s responses to British rule after WW2?

Answer 1

1. Weakening of colonial rule
2. Growing influence of communism

Question 2

1. Weakening of colonial rule

Answer 2

Anti-colonial sentiments grew even before WW2 due to the suffering caused by European colonial rule. The defeat of the European forces by the Japanese Empire (an Asian power) and the Japanese Occupation further promoted these sentiments. Singapore was hailed as an impregnable fortress, and when it fell so easily to the Japanese, the locals saw the British as unfit to defend them.

Question 3

2. Growing influence of communism

Answer 3

Due to the emergence of the Cold War and the spread of communist ideas, many locals started to support communism due to its opposition of colonial rule and the suffering they caused. In Singapore, The Malayan Communist Party gained much support, especially amongst the Chinese community due to their assistance and rebellion during the Japanese occupation.

Question 4

How did the British attempt to win local support?

Answer 4

1. Meeting housing challenges
2. Addressing food shortages
3. Managing industrial unrest
4. Rebuilding the economy

Question 5

1. Meeting housing challenges

Answer 5

Much housing had been destroyed during the war, and Singapore also experienced a post-war baby boom. As such, many people lived in overcrowded conditions and slums. To aid this problem, the Singapore Improvement Trust (established to provide affordable housing by the British) Between 1947 and 1959 it built 20907 units. However despite the efforts housing shortages still remained.

Question 6

2. Addressing food shortages

Answer 6

Food was in short supply. The war had affected shipping and malnutrition was widespread. The British established People’s Restaurants with affordable meals. By the end of 1946 there were 10 People’s restaurants in Singapore.

Question 7

3. Managing industrial unrest

Answer 7

There were a large number of strikes after the war due to unsatisfactory conditions. Many workers who participated in the strikes belonged to trade unions. The British suspected that communists within the trade unions were organizing these strikes, and thus passed a law to register all trade unions with the government. This allowed them to monitor their membership. However industrial unrest still persisted and was an issue in the 1950s