South-east Asia and Malaya (1947-1960) Flashcards
(23 cards)
What nationalist movement in Burma was formed in 1906 to resist British rule?
The Young Men’s Buddhist Association (1906).
What group formed in 1944 united various Burmese nationalist factions under Aung San’s leadership?
The Anti-Fascist People’s Freedom League (AFPFL) (1944).
What was the manifesto of the AFPFL promising?
The AFPFL promised to establish a “people’s government” with a constitution approved by all people of Myanmar, guaranteeing freedom of thought, speech, the press, assembly, and religion.
Who was Aung San and what significant role did he play in Burma’s independence movement?
Aung San (1906-1947) was a Burmese nationalist leader who founded the Burmese Independence Army (BIA) and played a critical role in Burma’s fight for independence. He led the resistance against both Japanese and British forces and became a de facto leader in post-war Burma.
How did Aung San gain British recognition as a leader after WWII?
In September 1945, Lord Mountbatten recognized the Burma National Army and incorporated it into a new army, effectively acknowledging Aung San as a legitimate leader.
What tragic event occurred in 1947 that affected Burma’s independence?
In July 1947, Aung San and six of his cabinet ministers were assassinated by a rival political faction.
When did Burma officially gain independence?
Burma gained independence on January 4, 1948.
What significant event followed Burma’s independence?
The country descended into civil war, rejecting the idea of joining the British Commonwealth.
What was the core goal of Malay nationalism?
Malay nationalism aimed to create a “Bangsa Melayu” (Malay nation), focusing on the protection and advancement of Malay religion (Islam), language (Malay), and royalty (Malay rulers).
What group was formed in 1946 to represent Malay interests?
The United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) was formed in March 1946 to advocate for the rights of Malays.
How were the Chinese represented in Malaya’s nationalist movement?
The Chinese were represented by the Malay Chinese Association (MCA) and the Malayan Communist Party (MCP).
What was the new scheme created by the British in 1947 for Malaya?
In June 1947, the British introduced a new scheme that defined Malay citizenship more restrictively, discriminating against the Chinese population.
What was the significance of the Malayan Emergency (1948–1960)?
The Malayan Emergency was a guerrilla war fought between communist pro-independence fighters and British forces, with the communists seeking to end British rule and establish a socialist economy.
How did the British counter the communist insurgency in Malaya?
The British promoted the Malay Chinese Association (MCA) to win over Chinese support and made promises of Malay independence to maintain support during the emergency.
What event led to Malaya’s independence in 1957?
The Reid Commission was established in 1955 to draw up a democratic constitution, and Malaya became independent on August 31, 1957.
What major political change occurred in Malaya in 1963?
In 1963, Malaya united with Singapore, Sabah (North Borneo), and Sarawak to form Malaysia.
Who were the key figures in Malaya’s independence movement?
Key figures included Onn bin Ja’afar, the founder of UMNO, Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaya’s first Prime Minister, and Tan Cheng Lock, leader of the MCA.
What led to Singapore’s expulsion from Malaysia?
Ethnic tensions and race riots between Malays and Chinese in Singapore led to its expulsion from Malaysia in August 1965.
What was the state of Singapore after Japan’s surrender in 1945?
Singapore fell into a brief state of anomie and looting, with revenge killings widespread.
When did Singapore first gain its own government under British rule?
In 1947, Singapore was given its own government with an Executive and Legislative Council.
What political shifts occurred in Singapore in the 1950s?
In 1955, Singapore’s Legislative Council saw the rise of left-wing parties like the Labour Front, People’s Action Party (PAP), and the UMNO/MCA alliance. By 1956, the British agreed to grant full internal self-government to Singapore.
Who became Singapore’s leader in 1959?
Lee Kuan Yew of the PAP became Singapore’s leader in 1959.
What was Singapore’s status after its independence from Malaysia in 1965?
Singapore became a fully independent state in August 1965 after being expelled from Malaysia.
