Practice Question: Post War Problems in Singapore

Practice Question:

To what extent was the British Military Administration successful in solving the post-war problems faced by Singapore? Explain your answer.

Tips:

1) This question tests your understanding of the topic which is about the British administration of Singapore right after the war.

2) A "to what extent" or "how far" question requires you to give a balance argument.

3) Refer to key word in question which is "successful". This word is subjective which means it is opened to discussion and debate. To some, the British was very successful in solving the post-war problems. Yet to others they were least successful.

4) So your answer should deal with a balance view, to be able to give an account of what success did the British achieve and also whether they did indeed solve all problems.


Suggested Answer:

Begin with a short introduction to the jubilation of people upon the return of the British as administrator of Singapore. Peace restored. But post-war Singapore faced many social and economic problems.

British efforts in dealing with social and economic problems:

1) Many left homeless. Many houses destroyed during the world. Rents rose rapidly. British passed laws to curb indiscriminate increase in rents.

2) Shortage of food and starvation. Loss of trade and destruction of farmlands during war. Not enough food. Problem worsened by increase in population. British brought in food from neighbouring countries and introduced food rationing.

3) Trade disrupted as infrastructure of country destroyed. Harbour choked with sunken warships and debris. British administration cleared the harbour and repaired the wharf. Also rebuilt many warehouses. Also reinstalled power lines and water pipes.

4) Widespread unemployment. Many lost their jobs during the war. During Jap occupation, many jobless. British administration set up the labour exchange in Havelock road to match the people's skills to the jobs.

The British did solve many pressing issues and problems. They managed to alleviate the initiate sufferings of the people. However, these problems required long term planning and solutions and as such many problems still remained despite the efforts of the British.

For example:

Due to rapid rise in population, the problems of housing still remained. Many housing facilities provided by the British were spartan and posed great hygiene problem to the people. In turn, this became a health threat to the people. Medical facilities were also lacking in terms of furniture and equipment and trained staff. The British lacked the energy and reserves to cater to these needs.

Unemployment continued to be on the high end as trade resumed on a very slow pace due to the lack of proper infrastructure after the war. This in turn resulted in lack of basic necessities like food and raw materials which caused the problem to escalate and which reflected that the British were not so successful in bringing life back to normalcy.

Most importantly, the British were unable to resolve the attitude of the people. During the war, it was clear that the British were incompetent as rulers. After having ruled Singapore for more than hundred years, they were looked upon to defend Singapore from aggressors. However, their defeat by the Japanese was a clear sign that the colonial masters were not all that powerful and effective. Hence, it was clear to the people that no one, the British nor the Japanese, should rule Singapore except themselves. This feelings of nationalism posed a problem to the British as they no longer cooperate willingly with the British.

Conclusion:

Hence to a large extent the British were only successful in providing initial aid to the problems. But they were not successful in giving long term solutions to the social and economic problems. More importanly, they were definitely not successful in changing the mindset of the people who no longer respected them the way it was before the war.