Chapter 7.2 Post war problem

Question 1

Housing challenge

Answer 1

• Shortage of housing, much destroyed/ burnt down during war
• Baby boom in Singapore, many lived in overcrowded conditions slums.
  British Attempt
• Singapore improvement Trust( SIT) built 20 907 housing and shop units between 1947 and 1959
• Far below the estimation 10 000 units needed per year to meet the growing population
• Shortage persisted and many continued to live cramped conditions.

Question 2

Food Shortage
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Answer 2

-War disrupted shipping, affecting into the flow of supplies into Singapore
- Neighbouring rice-producing countries did not have enough rice to export to SG
- Wartime food rationing continued
- Malnutrition was widespread
- Wages couldn’t keep up with the rising of food prices
British Attempt
- Worried that food shortage would lead to widespread unrest.
- To avoid this, they established People’s Restaurant to provide affordable meals.
- By the end if 1946, there were 10 People’s Restaurant on Singapore

Question 3

Industrial Unrest

Answer 3

• Unsatisfactory working conditions, together with food and housing shortages, led to wave of strikes
• In 1947, “ The year of strikes”, involving almost 70 000 workers, mostly trade union member.
  British attempt
• British suspected communists were working with the trade unions to stir-up Anti-Colonial feelings and instigate strikes.
• Laws were passed and all trade unions had to register with the government from 1947
  - Unions not allowed to use funds to organize strikes and protest
• Trade unions continued to be active and industrial unrest remained an issue.

Question 4

Rebuilding the economy

Answer 4

-Economy recovery was crucial to improving the lives of people.
- Without the revival of trade and industry, People would not have jobs and the government would not have jobs and the government would not have sufficient tax revenues to pay for programmes that improves people’s welfare.
British Attempt
- Repaired the ports
-Demand for tin and ribber was growing. Trade levels surpassed pre-war levels
- As port city, Singapore managed to survive on its entrepot trade, and also processed and exported raw material from Malaya and Indonesia, like oil, tin and rubber

Question 5

Post war problem

Answer 5

• Housing Challenge
• Food shortage
• Industrial Unrest
• Rebuilding the economy