Chapter 7:

How Did the people in Singapore Respond to British Rule After World War II?

Context: European Losses in WWII

The map below shows the major defeats and losses that the European powers suffered during the war at the hands of Japan, an Asian nation. This made the Europeans look weak, and undermined their right to rule after the war. Watch the video for more information.

Crash Course history decol.mp4

Glossary: Decolonisation, Democracy, Socialism & Capitalism

In this chapter you will learn:

How external developments in the post-war period affected Singapore
How the British dealt with post-war problems in Singapore
How the locals responded to British rule in the post-war period
How Singapore eventually attained full internal self-government in 1959

Situation in Singapore

These global trends were also reflected in Singapore. London had not defended Singapore well, and the British forces had been defeated quickly. People began to question the British's right to rule Singapore. One group which rose to prominence after the war was the Malayan Communist Party (MCP). The MCP was fighting for independence along Communist lines. While they enjoyed considerable popular support, they also caused much violence. In 1948, the British declared a State of Emergency to fight them. The Emergency lasted until 1960.

How Did the British Attempt to Win Local Support?

The British hoped to win the people's support by addressing some of the problems that people faced after the war. Browse through the photos and read their captions to learn more.

Do you think you would want to continue to have the British rule Singapore? Why or why not? Respond at the Padlet.

Unrest and Turbulence in Singapore

Singapore during the 1950s experienced much instability. There were multiple disturbances and violent incidents. While these varied in their context, they were all associated with anti-colonial sentiment in the people.

Maria Hertogh Riots, 1950

A custody battle over a Dutch girl escalated into a volatile conflict over racial and religious relations. The issue caught the attention of Western and Asian nations around the world, with even the Prime Minister of Pakistan commenting on the issue.

Anti-National Service Riots, 1954

In 1953, the government made National Service compulsory. Many students from Chinese-medium schools were unhappy about this, as this would delay their studies which had already been disrupted by the war. Tensions came to a head when peaceful demonstrations broke out into a violent riot.

Hock Lee Bus Riots, 1955

On 25 April 1955, 229 workers from the Hock Lee Amalgamated Bus Company went on strike over what they felt was unfair treatment. Accompanied by students from Chinese middle schools and other sympathisers, the strike soon became violent when police intervened. The riots would continue until 14 May.

Chinese Middle School Student Riots, 1956

In an attempt to stamp out Communism, the government arrested many individuals and banned organisations such as the Singapore Chinese Middle Schools Students’ Union. The middle school students responded with protests and sit-ins. As tensions rose over days, violence broke out. The riots were finally put down by 28 October with mass arrests and detainment.

Do you think it is possible for such riots to happen in Singapore now? Why or why not? Respond at the Padlet.

How did the British Respond to the Changing Attitudes of the Locals?

With the unrest of the 1950s, the British understood that that the old system of government had to change to allow for more local participation. The Rendel Constitution made way for locals to be elected into government. As a result, the subsequent election in 1955 generated much political activity. David Marshall became the first Chief Minister of Singapore. He and his successor in 1956, Lim Yew Hock, would hold the Merdeka Talks with London to negotiate for self-government. This would eventually be granted by the British in 1958.