HISTORY REVISION ON 4 AUGUST 2009

To all Secondary 2 pupils:

Kindly note that the test period scheduled on 4 August 2009 Tuesday Day 7 is for a revision exercise.

It will be on Chapter 6 and 7.

The test/revision format is simply content-based short questions requiring short sentences.

Chapter 6 How did WWII affect Singapore?

History Test Corrections 30 June 2009

a) Study Source A. What information does Source A reveal about Singapore’s economy between 1929 and 1933? Explain your answer. (4m)

Level 1 Lifting without inference and explanation (1m)

Source A shows that the value of Singapore’s trade decreased from 1172 million in 1929 to 513 million in 1933.

Level 2 Inference unsupported (2m)

Source A shows that Singapore’s economy was badly affected. Singapore’s prosperity depended on trade and with decreasing trade, its economy suffered.

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

Source A shows that the value of the import fell drastically from 655 to 262 million while that of the export value fell from 517 to 251 million between 1929 and 1933. This implies that there was less trade conducted as the demand for raw materials probably shrank during this period. Hence with less trade, Singapore’s economy was badly affected as it meant that profits would be reduced greatly.

In addition, with the total value of trade falling from 1172 to 513 million, it suggests that many traders would have suffered severe losses and resulted in loss of income. Hence many businesses would have been gravely affected and in turn causing the economy to collapse.

b) Compare Sources B and C. How similar are they in showing the effects of the Great Depression on Singapore’s entrepot status? Explain your answer. (6m)

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

Both sources are secondary sources and both are adapted from historical references.

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

(Award 2m for 1 similarity and 3m for 1 similarity and 1 difference unsupported)

Sources B and C are similar as both shows Singapore was heavily dependent on foreign trade and with the Great Depression, this status would be badly affected.

Or/And

Sources B and C are different as Source B shows the growth of Singapore’s trade with the increased usage of steamships while Source C shows the decrease in Singapore’s trade due to the fall in demand and prices of rubber.

L3: Similarity OR/AND difference in source content, supported (4-5m)

Sources B and C are similar in showing the effects of the Great Depression on Singapore’s entrepot status. Source B shows that many European and American traders made Singapore their port of call. This implies that much trade was probably conducted using Singapore as a transaction port. Hence, with the Great Depression, it would result in less traders coming and less trade would be conducted thus affecting Singapore’s status as an entrepot centre. (Criteria)

Similarly, Source C shows that there was a heavy decrease in demand for raw materials by the western countries. This suggests that less trade would pass through Singapore as these raw materials were exported from Singapore to the other countries. With less demand and trade, Singapore’s status as an entrepot centre was gravely affected. (Criteria)

In addition, Source B shows that Singapore’s status as a port for collecting and distributing products grew in importance. This implies that Singapore’s lifeline was dependent on entrepot trade and with the Great Depression, its status was severely threatened. Similarly, Source C shows that Singapore’s economy was lifted by the production of automobiles and radios. This implies that Singapore must have been an important entrepot port where raw materials and manufactured products were distributed. With the Great Depression, this entreport status was gravely affected. (Criteria)

However, Sources B and C are also different in the presentation of information. Source B presents a positive picture of Singapore’s trade increasing and the prosperity of the settlement due to its entrepot status. This meant that in good times, Singapore’s entrepot status grew. However, in bad times like the Great Depression, its status will be severely affected. In contrast, Source C shows a negative picture of Singapore’s trade which was badly affected by falling demand and prices of raw materials which resulted in the entrepot status being threatened.

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

Level 3 answer plus:

Both sources tend to educate the readers regarding the dependency of Singapore on external factors. In Source B, Singapore’s trade grew as a result of the demand for raw materials by foreign countries and in Source C, Singapore’s trade decrease due to a fall in demand for these raw materials. This implies that Singapore’s entrepot status was strongly influenced by global forces. Hence, both sources are similar in purpose which is to emphasize that Singapore’s status as an entrepot port is vulnerable and was affected in both positive and negative way.

1) Explain how the opening of the Suez Canal affected Singapore in the late 19^th Century to the early 20^th Century CE. (5m)

Level 1 State the benefits of using the Suez Canal between Europe and Singapore (1m)

The Suez Canal shortened the distance and time taken to travel between Europe and Singapore.

Level 2 Describe the benefits of using the Suez Canal between Europe and Singapore (2-3m)

Before the opening of the Suez Canal, traders from Europe going to the east had to sail around the Cape of Good Hope. This Cape route is long and dangerous and took about 120 days of travel time. With the opening of the Suez Canal, the distance is reduced and travelling time was cut to about 80 days. This shortened journey and travelling time facilitated more traders coming to Singapore and thus Singapore benefitted from an increased volume of trade.

(Award 2m for description of benefits and 3m for highlighting effects on Singapore)

Level 3 Explain the implications of the Suez Canal and its positive effects on Singapore’s trade (4-5m)

(Award 5m if answer shows understanding of the inter-connectedness of the Suez Canal and the use of steamships)

The opening of the Suez Canal shortened the distance between the East and the West. Prior to this event, traders using the Cape route took about 120 days to sail from London to Singapore. With the Suez Canal, the travelling time was reduced to 80 days. This meant that the cost of shipping goods was reduced due to the savings in distance and time and thus Singapore benefited greatly with the Suez Canal as traders were able to make more profits.

In addition, the opening of the Suez Canal brought about a great expansion in Singapore’s trade. This was due to the increased speed and volume of ships passing through the Straits of Melaka and calling at the port of Singapore to refuel and replenish food supplies. Singapore thus maintained its role as an important port of call and trading centre. (4m)

The opening of the Suez Canal also ushered in the heavy usage of steamships for transporting goods. This was due to the wind conditions in the Red Sea where the wind blows in a north-southerly direction. This was detrimental to traders using sailing vessels and hence many traders used steamships instead.

With more steamships being used, it is thus not feasible to cut through the Indian Ocean to reach the east because of the need to replenish coal. Hence many coaling stations were set up along the coastline from India to Southeast Asia. This in turn indirectly forced the steamships to go via the Straits of Melaka and as a results, many traders made Singapore a stopover as it was conveniently located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. With steamships arriving in an ever increasing volume, Singapore became an important coaling station and port facilities were improved. This in turn benefited Singapore greatly and contributed to its prosperity.

History Test 30 June 2009

For pupils who are on Leave of Absence and missed the history test on 30 June, you may wish to do the test as a practice. When you return to school, submit your work and let me mark. The marks however will not be counted in the CA.

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!

June Holidays History Lesson for Sec 2

To all pupils of Sec 2 under Mr Ang for History.

Please note that there will be no lesson during the last week of the June Holidays. As discussed in the last week of Term 2, there was an intended lesson to prepare you all for the History test on 30 June. As I just returned from Thailand, therefore I deem it necessary to stay home for quarantine as Thailand is one of the infected areas for H1N1.

I will be posting a question for comparison source-based.

Check back regularly this week for more updates.

Thanks and apologies for not able to conduct the lesson.

Regards
Mrang

SAQ Sample Answer as discussed in class

Elaborate how the invention of steamships and the opening of the Suez Canal helped Singapore prosper in the 1800s. (5m)

Level 1 – Describe the invention of steamships and opening of Suez Canal (1-2m)

Due to the industrial revolution, steamships were invented. With the use of steamships, traders from London took a shorter time to travel to other countries like Singapore. And with shorter time, the use of steamships made trading more popular and efficient. (1)

n addition, the opening of the Suez canal shortened the distance between London and Singapore. Traders took about 76 days to travel between the two places. Hence this implies that the shortened resulted in more trade. (2)

Level 2 – Explain HOW invention of steamships and opening of Suez canal helped Singapore prosper (separately) (3-4m)

Due to the industrial revolution, steamships were invented. With the use of steamships, traders from London took a shorter time to travel to other countries like Singapore. And with shorter time, the use of steamships made trading more popular and efficient. This meant that more traders would stopover at Singapore using it as a port-of-call. With the numbers, more trade was brought into the country resulting in more business and hence the growth in wealth. (3)

In addition, the opening of the Suez canal shortened the distance between London and Singapore. Traders took about 76 days to travel between the two places. Hence this implies that the shortened resulted in more trade. With more traders coming, the variety of goods increased and thus this attracted more traders to flock to Singapore where the locals benefited from increased trading activity. Hence Singapore’s wealth increased. (4)

Level 3 – Explain HOW invention of steamships complement the opening of the Suez Canal in Singapore’s prosperity. (5m)

Ships going by suez canal faced the NS winds, this forced traders to use steamships instead of sailing vessels. Using of steamships required replenishment of coal and going by the suez canal, traders would naturally use the straits of Melaka which indirectly forced them to use Singapore as a coaling station.

Finally explain how these would benefit Singapore. (DIY)

History Assignment Chapter 5 Assessment Rubrics

For your consideration when you are attempting the write-up. Do take note of the requirements and criteria.

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.

Chapter 5 How did external events before WW1 affect Singapore (Lesson PPT Slides)

SAQ Sample Answer and Guide

To what extent was the British Government successful in improving the welfare of the people in Singapore in the 19th Century CE? Explain your answer. (5m)

Sample Answer:

Level 1 Listing British Government’s measures to improve social services (1m)

The British Government improved the Police Force, set up Chinese Protectorate, schools and hospitals.

Level 2 Describe measures implemented by the British to improve welfare of people (2m)

The British government improved the police force by recruiting more officers who could speak Chinese. These officers were also given better pay and proper training. Thomas Dunman was made full time police chief in 1846 and he took an interest in the welfare of his police officers.

In addition the British government also set up the Chinese Protectorate to look into the abuses of the coolie trade and to protect the sinkehs. Officials ensured that the sinkehs were not ill-treated by the coolie-agents and employers. Contracts between coolies and employers were registered to prevent abuses.

Lastly, the British also set up schools to provide education for the people so as to fill up government posts. Hospitals were set up to provide medical services to the masses.

Level 3 Explain measures with reference to success of improving welfare of the people (3-4m)

The British government was successful in improving the welfare of the people in early Singapore. Due to the problems created by the Chinese secret societies, the people lived in fear and anxiety. To solve the problem, the British government improved the police force by giving its officers proper training and better pay. It also employed capable officials who could speak the local dialects so that they could resolve conflicts among the locals easily. Hence law and order improved and the people could go about their livelihood without much worry about their safety.

The British also set up the Chinese Protectorate to look into the abuses of the coolie trade as well as regulate the activities of the Chinese secret societies. The officials of the Chinese Protectorate ensured that the sinkehs were protected. They achieved this by ensuring that the coolie-agents and employers honoured the work contracts through registration. In addition, they also rescued coolies who were sent to work in neighbouring countries against their will. Regular inspection was made to ensure that the coolies were not ill-treated and that their living conditions were acceptable. Other measures included preventing girls from being forced into prostitution and also rescuing girls from brothels. The efforts of the Chinese Protectorate were successful in addressing some of the abuses of the coolie trade.

In addition, the British government also stepped up its efforts to provide for social services like education and health. Schools were set up to provide education for locals so that they could fill up posts in the government offices and trading companies. This provided the people with a means of living and hence their welfare improved. Health care was also given to the people when the government set up the Public Health Department. This measure was taken to prevent the spread of infectious diseases which would greatly affect the economic prosperity of Singapore. As such, the people’s welfare improved.

Level 4 Explain measures with reference to success and limitations of the efforts by the British Government (5m)

Level 3 answer plus:

While the British government did improve the social services for the people, much was done in order to meet their own objectives. In the area of law and order, the British Government improved the police force and set up the Chinese Protectorate to see to the problems created by the Chinese community. However, this was done mainly because the British felt that the problems created the Chinese were detrimental to the economic health of the settlement. They did so probably to ensure that their trading interests was protected and not disrupted by these problems.

In addition, the structure of the British Government was made up primarily of British officials. There were very few Asian representatives in the Legislative Council and as such it was very difficult for these Asian to effectively bring about improvements to the masses. Also, it was not until 1924 that the number of non-official members was increased and equaled to the official members of the council. This suggests that the British Government was not really concerned about improving the welfare of the people but more to safeguard their own trading interests.

More importantly, the British were seen to be the Colonial masters. In the government service, Asians who were more qualified were not given the opportunities to hold senior positions and were also paid lower than their British counterparts. Social discrimination was also practiced where Asians were discouraged from traveling in first-class carriages and they were not allowed to use the dance floor or bar reserved solely for the Europeans. These discriminatory practices did not augur well with the locals and thus the rift between masters and ‘servants’ grew wider.

Hence, the British may be successful in improving certain aspects of the welfare of the people through its measures but they were not very successful in raising the level of happiness and loyalty of the people. This would affect the welfare of the people as they felt that they were being discriminated against.

Supplementary Reading for Chapter 4

PLEASE TAKE NOTE:

Sec 2PE and 2GR. You need not do the exercise on Page 31 of your workbook. Rather, read the notes given for the topic regarding the measures taken by the British Government to improve law and order. Thereafter, kindly attempt this question and hand in answers by Thursday 30 April 09.

Sec 2CO 2SE/GY and 2PR, kindly attempt the question too. Deadline as above.


QUESTION:


To what extent was the British Government successful in improving the welfare of the people in Singapore in the early 19th Century CE? Explain your answer. (5m)

Reading for Chapter 4 (Revision for Upcoming Test)

Due to the upcoming test on the 5 May 2009, I deem it necessary that you go to the following links and do some reading up to supplement your textbook.


http://infopedia.nl.sg/articles/SIP_1346_2008-12-10.html

http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/print_article.php?focusId=75

Chapter 4 How did the British govern Singapore before World War 2?

Answer Scheme to Test on 31 March 2009

a) Study Source A.

What information does Source A reveal about the treatment of the early immigrants in Singapore in the early 19^th Century? Explain your answer. (4m)

Level 1 Lifting without inference and explanation (1m)

Source A shows that the government spent nothing on schools and that poverty was unobserved by the Europeans.

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

Source A shows that though poverty, crimes and diseases were rife, the government did nothing. This suggests that the government did not care about the people.

In addition, Source A shows that though many were dying from lack of food, it was unobserved by the Europeans. This shows that they did not put in any effort to make the situation better.

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

Source A shows that the British government did not spend anything on social needs though Singapore was growing faster than it could cope. This shows that the British government did not care about providing any social benefits for the people. Therefore, the immigrants were not treated well and their welfare was probably neglected.

In addition, Source A shows that though disease and poverty were rife and that many were dying, it was unobserved by the Europeans. This implies that the British government had deliberately ignored the plight of the immigrants and hence, these people were not treated as important but merely there to serve the Europeans.

b) Study Source B. How useful is Source B in showing the reasons for the coming of the immigrants to Singapore in the early 19^th Century? Explain your answer. (6m)

Level 1 One sided answer. Useful or Not useful without explanations (1m)

Source B is useful in showing the pull factors which attracted the immigrants to come to Singapore.

OR

Source B is not useful in showing all the pull factors which attracted the immigrants to come to Singapore

Level 1 Two sided answer with no explanations (2m)

Both of Level 1 answers

Level 2 One sided answer. Useful or not useful with inferences unsupported (3m)

Source B is useful in showing the reasons for the coming of the immigrants. From Source B, Raffles made Singapore a free port with no custom and port dues. This implies that it was very attractive for the immigrants to come to trade.

OR

Source B is not useful in showing the reasons for the coming of the immigrants. From Source B, it did not state the other pull factors which attracted the immigrants to come like free trade and safe environment.

Level 3 One sided answer. Useful or not useful with inferences supported (4m)

Source B is useful in showing some of the reasons for the coming of the immigrants to Singapore. From Source B, Raffles made Singapore a free port free from custom and port dues, This implies that traders would probably make more profits due to this regulation and hence attracted more. Source B is therefore useful in providing some information about the pull factors which attracted the immigrants to come.

OR

Source B has its limitations. While showing that one of the pull factors was free port which attracted the immigrants to come, Source B did not provide other pull factors like the free trade policy which allowed the immigrants to trade freely in Singapore. It also did not show that Singapore was safe due to the protection of the British and hence attracted more people.

In addition, Source B did not provide any push factors. For example, in China and India, people were forced to leave their countries due to overpopulation, natural disasters and wars which caused shortage of food and lack of jobs. In addition, the source also did not provide the reasons why the Europeans came which was to set up factories and business and to make more profits. Other push factors include that of wars and corrupted governments which forced many like the Chinese and Malays to come to Singapore for a better life.

Level 3 Two sided answer. Useful and not useful with inferences unsupported (4m)

Both of Level 2 answers

Level 4 Two sided answer. Useful and not useful with inferences supported (5m)

Both of Level 3 answers inferences supported

Award 6m if answer shows clear understanding with examples that different immigrants also came due to different reasons and not just general push and pull factors

Short Answer Question

1) Explain how the contributions of the early immigrants brought about economic and social progress for Singapore in the 19^th Century. (5m)

Level 1 State what the occupations of the immigrants were (1m)

The early immigrants were coolies, labourers, traders, businessmen, hawkers etc.

Level 2 Describe the occupations of the immigrants (2-3m)

2m for 2 groups of the immigrants with description of their occupations

3m for 3 groups or more of the immigrants with description of their occupations

Level 3 Explain how the occupations of the immigrants impact the economic and social progress of Singapore (4-5m)

4m for only economic or social impact

5m for BOTH economic and social impact

Many Chinese came as either unskilled labourers or as skilled workers. These immigrants were engaged in the entrepot trade of Singapore. For the unskilled labourers they provided labour services, acting as porters and carried cargoes from ships to warehouses and vice versa. Thus, they ensured that the trading activites were carried out smoothly and contributed to the growth of Singapore as a trading centre. In addition, the skilled workers provided services by acting as middlemen between the European and straits traders. Trade grew as traders were able to conduct business even with language barrier. Hence the middlemen ensured the smooth transaction of trading activities and contributed to the economic prosperity of Singapore as a trading centre.

The early Indian immigrants acted mainly as policemen and chettiars. The Indian policemen or sepoys helped to ensure law and order among the communities. They thus provided safety for traders and businessmen to conduct their businesses and attracted more trade leading to the growth of Singapore as a trading centre. In addition Indian chettiars or moneylenders provided aspiring traders with capital to set up their own business. These contributed to the growth of small scaled businesses like services which supported the economic progress of Singapore.

The British also brought in Indian prisoners to help with the construction of roads and the clearing of jungles. This enabled the infrastructure of Singapore to be developed and thus supported the smooth transaction of trade as roads provided efficiency in transportation.

The Malays were mostly engaged in providing basic necessities like foodstuff. This ensured that the other communities were sufficiently provided for and thus contributed to the overall infrastructure of the settlement and enabled Singapore to grow rapidly as a trading centre. In addition, they were also skilled boat makers and repairers. This occupation provided small boats which aid in the transportation of goods from the ships to the harbour.

The Europeans came as professionals and businessmen. They provided the necessary capital and set up factories and companies which in turn provided employment for the other communities. In addition, they also set up agency houses which acted as distribution centres for European products. This created awareness of Singapore as a distribution centre and enhanced its growth as a trading centre.

In addition, people from the various races especially the more successful businessmen were motivated by the need to help their less fortunate countrymen. Thus they came forward and provided social services like hospitals and schools. Some people like Tan Tock Seng and Syed Mohamed bin Alsagoff spent large sums of money on providing medical services and amenities like water wells for the community. They also spent money to ensure that the poor had proper burials. The establishment of the Paupers’ Hospital on Pearl’s Hill in 1844 and the Thong Chai Medical Institution in 1867 showed the social welfare and care provided by the rich businessmen for their fellow countrymen. Their acts of philanthropy made life less miserable for those less fortunate and thus helped in the social progress of Singapore.