Comparison Practice Question

As part of your revision you may wish to try this comparison question.

Source A

An account of the Immigration Restriction Ordinance in early Singapore

In order to cope with rising unemployment, quotas were imposed on Chinese immigrants, and these were reduced in 1931 and further in 1932. The effect was dramatic. Chinese immigrants dropped from 242,000 in 1930 to less than 28,000 in 1933, and the fall was most marked among adult males, against whom the legislation was primarily aimed at. From 158,000 in 1930, their numbers fell to less than 14,000 in 1933.

Extracted from A History of Singapore 1819-1988 2^nd Edition, C.M. Turnbull, Oxford University Press

Source B

An account of the Great Depression of the 1930s

Asia was hit by the Great Depression due to its dependence on the export of raw materials with Europe and America, predominantly rubber and tin for the automotive industry. Asian trade fell sharply as America and Europe were gripped by the depression. Firms in Asia responded by cutting their workforce and reducing wages.

In Singapore, unemployment and poverty rose, disproportionately affecting the lower classes.

Adapted from http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_did_the_great_depression_affect_Asia

Study Sources A and B. How similar are they in showing the effects of the Great Depression on Singapore in the 1930s. Explain. (6m)

Note: For this question, bear in mind the question type and question focus. Your answer should always reflect the question focus. Since it is a comparison question, then the question focus is also the criteria for comparison.

TRY!