History Test 3 Correction 5 May 2009

Source-based Question

a) Study Source A. What does this source reveal about how the Malays were treated? Explain your answer. (4m)

Level 1 Lifting without inference and explanation (1m)

Level 2 Inference supported but unexplained (2-3m)

Level 3 Inference supported and explained relevant to question focus (4m)

Suggested Answer:

Source A shows that the Malay language was restricted to simple reading and religious teaching (EVIDENCE). This suggests that the education given to them was not adequate to raise their academic level (INFERENCE). Hence they were not given opportunities to upgrade themselves to meet the needs of the country and they were probably unfairly treated (EXPLANATION)

In addition Source A shows that the education given to the Malays was geared towards their agricultural pursuits and not for the development of the country (EVIDENCE). This implies that they were not considered as important to the future of the country (INFERENCE) and thus shows that they were not treated with equal rights and opportunities (EXPLANATION).

b) Study Sources B and C. How similar are the sources in depicting the role of the British in Singapore? Explain your answer. (6m)

L1: Similarity OR/AND difference in source type/ source provenance (1-2m)

L2: Similarity OR/AND difference in source content, unsupported (2-3m)

L3: Similarity OR/AND difference in source content, supported (3-5m)

L4: Similarity AND difference in content, tone and purpose supported with reference to contextual knowledge (5-6m)

Suggested Answer:

Sources A and B are similar in showing the role of the British in Singapore. Source A shows that the British took over control of the sale of opium to end crimes. This suggests that the British were making an effort to curb the problem of widespread illegal sale of opium. Hence the role of the British was to ensure that law and order was maintained in the country. Similarly, Source B shows that the British expanded the police force to four thousand men. This implies that they were strengthening the measure to enforce law and order and hence the British role was to ensure that there was safety for the people.

In addition, Source A shows that worldwide pressure was building against the British legal drug dealing. This suggests that the British was not doing enough to rid Singapore of the problem and hence shows that the British was negligent as administrators of Singapore. Similarly, Source B shows that the Asian population demanded that the British address the problems of law and order. This implies that the British had not been doing enough to provide security and thus shows that they were not effective as administrators.

Sources A and B are different. Source A shows that the British were less than eager to give up the government revenue. This implies that the British were more concerned with their own profits and interests than the welfare of the people. Hence it shows that the British were not doing enough for the country as governors. In contrast, Source B shows that that numerous police stations were set up across the island due to increasing demand by the Asian population. This suggests that the British were quick to act on the problems so as to provide timely solution. Hence it shows that they were fulfilling their role as administrators of the country.

Both sources seem to highlight a viewpoint/purpose which is to educate and inform us of the role of the British in ensuring law and order. This is to highlight the historian’s perspective of those living in Singapore in the early years of British administration. Both sources are factual accounts of the British actions in resolving social problems.

The sources support my understanding of the problems encountered by the people of early Singapore as a result of opium trading. This trade was welcomed by both the rich and the poor and the British were reluctant to deal with the problems till the overwhelming cry from the population and international community.

Short-answer Question

1) Explain how successful the Chinese Protectorate was in resolving the problems of the Chinese immigrant community. (5m)

Level 1 State the problems of the Chinese immigrant community or the role of the Chinese Protectorate (1m)

Level 2 Describe problems of the Chinese and measures by the Chinese Protectorate (2m)

Level 3 Explain successes or weaknesses of the Chinese Protectorate (3-4m)

Level 4 Explain successes and weaknesses of the Chinese Protectorate (5m)

Expected answer:

With the coming of the Chinese immigrants, Singapore experienced economic prosperity. However, these immigrants brought with them social problems.

Firstly, the immigrants organized themselves into secret societies which took part in gang fights, robbery and murder. These societies also ran opium houses, brothels and gambling dens. These activities threatened the peace and stability of the settlement and endangered its status as a trading port.

Secondly, many of these immigrants were tricked by the coolie-agents. As many of them were contract labourers, they have to work for a long time to pay off their debts. Very often, they were ill-treated and abused by their employers or coolie-agents. In addition, the living conditions onboard the ships and in the holding houses was deplorable and not fit for humans. Women were also tricked into prostitution.

To address these problems, the Chinese Protectorate was set up in 1877 with William Pickering as the First Protector of the Chinese. To reduce the number of fights and disorder among the Chinese, all Chinese societies had to register with the Chinese Protectorate. William Pickering also befriended the leaders of the Chinese communities and societies and got them to settle their differences with the Chinese Protectorate as a middleman. This greatly weakened the power of the society leaders and reduced the number of fights in society. The CP was largely successful in this measure as William Pickering was able to converse in their dialects and won the trust of these leaders.

In addition, the Chinese Protectorate controlled the coolie trade by registering the coolie agents and lodging houses. Officers were sent to inspect the ships as well as the houses to ensure that living conditions were suitable and that the coolies were treated fairly. By doing so, William Pickering bridged the gap between the Chinese community and the government. Hence the Chinese Protectorate was very successful in alleviating the burden of the coolies and eradicating the abuses of this trade.

The Chinese Protectorate set up a department known as the Po Leung Kuk (Protect Virtue Office) to look into the abuses of young girl who were sold into prostitution. Many of them were rescued and were given training in certain skills so as to enable them to find jobs as servants. Many were also sent home by the CP. The Chinese Protectorate was quite successful as many of these helpless young girls became aware of the existence of a department where they could seek redress.

However, thought the power of the secret societies and crimes were largely reduced, occasional fights continued to break out and abuses of the coolies and women still existed as the coolie-agents managed to find ways around the Chinese Protectorate initiatives. Many coolies were shipped off immediately up on arrival and hence the CP were not able to track the numbers of immigrants. In addition, many women were still ignorant of the CP and hence did not come forward to seek help.

Though there were limitations to what the CP had done, it is clear that the CP was largely successful in eradicating the abuses of both the coolies and the women. Secret Societies also lost a large part of their influence due to the active intervention of the CP.