Australia's Impact On Singapore

Introduction
The British surrender to the Japanese Army on February 15th 1942, at the Ford Factory in Singapore, is considered to be one of the greatest defeats in history for Britain during World War Two. Due to Singapore’s strategic position, the attack had a massive affect on Australia’s immediate security, as it was now possible for the Japanese to move down from Singapore into Australia. Also more than 100,000 troops became prisoners of war, affecting many of the family’s back home.

The strategic importance of Singapore
Singapore was considered the fortress for the British Empire, and it was believed it would never fall. In 1919, Singapore was chosen to be the most suitable location for a naval base because of its geo-political position.
Total trade with the UK was over five times greater than the total trade with their second largest trading partner the US. Australia became a federation only 13 years earlier before the war broke out in Europe meaning Australia was still a very young nation to be getting involved in the war. Australia was geographically isolated from all the conflicts going on in many part of Europe. About 60,000 Australian soldiers were killed during World War I, because of the ultimate sacrifice for its powerful friend, Britain. In December 1941, Australia's nightmare became a reality - war with Japan. Then when Singapore fell, meaning that there was now an impact of the security in Australia. Australia was now to rely on the British Empire. Despite Australia not being directly involved with the tensions, Australia still played a critical role in World War II. Australians felt that their survival depended upon the Empire. That’s why we always went to war for Britain. When Britain was finished as a world power Australians looked to a new great and powerful friend - the United
In 1932, the Japanese army invaded Manchuria; they took over and set up their own government calling it ‘Manchukuo’. The Chinese asked the League of Nations for help, yet the outcome was the Japanese stayed and also left the League in 1933.They After the fall of Singapore the invasion of the Japanese became a very real possibility. Japan continued to grow stronger, whereas Australia started to lack defense. Then once came the attack on Pearl Harbor, Australia then wanted a close reliance with the US. In 1941 the Japanese military leaders drew up the plans for an attack on the US pacific fleet at Pearl Harbor, then to be followed by a Japanese push south to Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the US and Australia declared war on Japan. After the attack on Pearl Harbor and the fall of Singapore, the focus of the war through the Australians eyes switched. It now became the priority to protect Australia against the oncoming Japanese instead on fighting in Europe. This was because the Japanese were bombing towns in northern Australia, and seemed to be preparing for an invasion. B An example of why the invasion seemed like it could become a reality was because of the Darwin bombings. The 1930’s showed a rise in Darwin being a vital asset in Australia’s defense against the Japanese empire. It facilities, like its port and airfields were one of the most