Chapter 7 Flashcards
How Did the British Attempt to Win Local Support?
ANS: Meeting Housing Challengers
POINT: Housing shortages in post-war Singapore, exacerbated by a rapidly growing population, led to overcrowding and slum conditions.
ELABORATE: After World War II, Singapore’s population experienced significant growth due to a baby boom and high birth rates in the 1940s and 1950s. The existing housing stock was insufficient, and much of it had been damaged during the war. Consequently, many people lived in overcrowded conditions and slums.
EXAMPLE: The Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT), established by the British in 1927 to provide low-cost housing, accelerated its building program between 1947 and 1959, constructing 20,907 housing and shop units. However, this fell far short of meeting the estimated 10,000 units per year needed to address the housing needs of the growing population.
LINK: The British attempted to win local support in post-war Singapore by addressing housing shortages, but their efforts through the Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) fell short, leaving many residents in overcrowded conditions and slums, which created social discontent and hindered their success in garnering local support.
How Did the British Attempt to Win Local Support?
ANS: Addressing Food Shortages
POINT: Food shortages in post-war Singapore posed a threat to stability, leading the British to establish People’s Restaurants to win local support.
ELABORATE: After World War II, food shortages in Singapore due to disrupted shipping and limited
rice exports from neighboring countries caused concerns over potential unrest. Malnutrition was common, and rising food prices outpaced wages.
EXAMPLE: To address this, the British established People’s Restaurants, which offered affordable
meals to the local population. By the end of 1946, there were 10 such restaurants in Singapore.
LINK: The British aimed to win local support by addressing the pressing issue of food shortages
through initiatives like People’s Restaurants.
How Did the British Respond to the Changing Attitudes of the Locals?
ANS: The Rendel Constitution
POINT: In response to changing attitudes among the locals in Singapore, the British established the Rendel Commission in 1953 to review the constitution, eventually leading to the Rendel Constitution of 1955.
ELABORATE: The Rendel Commission, chaired by Sir George Rendel, aimed to increase local participation in the government. Their 1954 report recommended limited self-government, allowing the election of local representatives to manage certain areas. Consequently, the Rendel Constitution was enacted, forming a Council of Ministers, with local and British members, each responsible for specific domains.
EXAMPLE: The changes introduced by the Rendel Constitution, though limited, marked a significant step towards self-governance.
LINK: In response to shifting local sentiments, these constitutional reforms showcased the British effort to adapt to evolving attitudes and grant increased autonomy to Singapore.
How Did the British Respond to the Changing Attitudes of the Locals?
ANS: 1955 Election
POINT: The 1955 election in Singapore saw a surge in political activity due to increased self- government promises in the Rendel Constitution, leading to the emergence of the Labour Front (LF) and the People’s Action Party (PAP) as prominent parties.
ELABORATE: These parties campaigned vigorously, focusing on anti-colonialism, and engaged with
the public through house visits, rallies, and speeches. LF leader David Marshall criticized the Singapore People’s Party’s (SPP) ineffectiveness in advocating self-government. The LF and
PAP also promised to improve workers’ welfare, gaining popular support.
EXAMPLE: In the 1955 election, a record number of candidates participated, and voter turnout exceeded 50%. The LF emerged as the major winner, signaling changing attitudes among the
people.
LINK: The enthusiastic response to the 1955 election results indicated a desire for self-rule and a shift in local attitudes. This compelled the British authorities to recognize the growing demand for
increased self-governance in Singapore.
How did Singapore Achieve internal Self-government?
ANS: Hock Lee Bus Riots
POINT: Achieving internal self-government in Singapore faced resistance from British officials due to their concerns about communist influences.
ELABORATE: After winning the 1955 election, the Labour Front (LF) formed a coalition government led by Chief Minister David Marshall. However, the British officials, including the Governor, were reluctant to support the LF government due to its commitment to ending colonial rule. This lack of support was evident in delays in providing Marshall with a proper office.
EXAMPLE: The Hock Lee Bus Strike, which turned violent, challenged the LF government’s ability to manage such situations. Marshall’s reluctance to call in British troops was seen as weak by the British, impacting their perception of the LF government.
LINK: These events and the British reluctance to cooperate demonstrated the challenges faced in achieving internal self-government in Singapore.
How did Singapore Achieve internal Self-government?
ANS: The First Merdeka Talks (1956)
POINT: Singapore’s quest for internal self-government faced challenges during the Merdeka Talks, ultimately resulting in David Marshall’s resignation as Chief Minister.
ELABORATE: In the Merdeka Talks of 1956, David Marshall aimed for full internal self-government by 1957, desiring greater local control over defense and external affairs. However, the talks encountered issues due to concerns over the LF government’s ability to maintain order and address communism following the Hock Lee Bus Riots.
EXAMPLE: The British prioritized a strong and stable government to safeguard economic and defense interests and prevent communism, leading to doubts about the LF government’s capabilities.
LINK: Consequently, Marshall resigned as Chief Minister, and Lim Yew Hock assumed leadership, marking a setback in Singapore’s pursuit of independence through internal self-government.
