Independence of Singapore
Introduction
This portfolio entry is about the independence of Singapore. I chose this topic as I will learn about it in Primary 5, in relation to Social Studies. The independence of Singapore led us to full self-government. We had little resources, but the determination and perseverance to survive.
What Happened Before Independence After the war, the British were no longer seen as capable leaders of Singapore, as they had failed to protect her from the Japanese. The British granted Singapore self-government in 1959, and the PAP won during the general elections, making Lee Kuan Yew the first Prime Minister. Singapore and Malaya merged with Sabah and Sarawak to make the Federation of Malaysia. However, Singapore separated from Malaysia because of the racial and religious tensions between both countries. Lee Kuan Yew feared that there would not be enough resources for Singapore to survive.
How the Government governed Singapore after Independence
The government tried to have harsher punishments for crimes, so that there would not be many criminals and Singapore would be freer of corruption. Lee Kuan Yew grew Singapore’s economy by making education compulsory and maximising business opportunities. He also provided more housing for citizens.
How others felt about the Independence of Singapore
At the time of independence, citizens and even the ruling party of Singapore felt apprehensive about the future. With no natural resources, many felt that she would not be able to survive without the help of the other countries.
My feelings towards the Independence of Singapore
I feel the forced independence was a blessing in disguise. With wise steps, active participation and determination, Singapore has become a thriving country. If there had been no sudden separation from Malaysia, Singapore might not be what it is today.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Singapore’s independence allowed her to be successful. If Singapore had been a part of Malaysia instead and decided to become independent at a later stage, she would have to spend more time adapting and probably would not be as advanced as she is now.
You May Also Find These Documents Helpful
-
A spirit of independence was growing. Freedom provided a better life and a desire for more independence.…
- 359 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
independence. But it didn't happen. We had second thoughts. Now the US has to stay.…
- 506 Words
- 1 Page
Good Essays -
On the day that the United States of America declared to become independent, people of the United States began to have a completely different life which started from the new government structure that been established.…
- 596 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
3. Name at least three arguments presented by those who opposed or at least expressed reluctance toward independence. Why did those taking these positions believe their positions were valid?…
- 550 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
was no exception. Independence is when a country governs itself. My topic is about the…
- 395 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
The purpose of writing this essay was to convince the people that gaining independence was the best option.…
- 242 Words
- 1 Page
Satisfactory Essays -
However the fall and occupation of Singapore by the Japanese in 1942 as well as the failure of…
- 1836 Words
- 6 Pages
Powerful Essays -
I believe it is important to gain independence because mankind shall have liberty and equality and not have another country deciding over us and give unnecessary laws and taxes. Collaborating together has many benefits for an example collaboration will work us toward our goal more effectively and every team…
- 318 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
India. In 1947, India gained its independence as a result of a non violent resistance led by Gandhi and Nehru. (CIA) Although India received its independence from Britain, the social changes that…
- 1181 Words
- 5 Pages
Powerful Essays -
By being independent, the nation would be able to make temporary alliances with other nations in times of war as well as for trading purposes without having one specific foreign power influencing the country's new way of life. It allowed the country to stay neutral as a nation as it grew in power and became the strongest government in the world.…
- 699 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
Independence is a universal need. Everyone has independence even if they don’t believe they do. Some people are independent in the way they live their life, others are independent from an overbearing and controlling government. The colonies were independent in the way that they chose what to do with their lives when under the control of Britain. After breaking from Britain’s rule they became independent in their government affairs. Africa before 1966 was under the control of other countries but they still were independent in their daily lives. Although regulated by a government Africans had the independence of daily tasks like when and what to eat and the independence of thinking what they choose. Independence is a universal need because it is such a broad subject, it can apply to government, thought, and daily living.…
- 261 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
According to the secondary source, “At the outset of World War I, Japanese forces extended the empire deep into the central Pacific when it seized Germany's strategic Mariana, Caroline and Marshall Islands...Thus Japan became a major world power, less than 50 years after its modernization campaign had begun. ” This quotation reveals that Japan really wants to invade many other island and become powerful. This is important because that’s why Japan can colonize Singapore. According to a secondary resource, “Singapore was a wealthy and successful colony for the British.”. This quotation explained why Japan wanted to take this colony. This is important because Singapore played an important role.According to British Prime Minister Winston Churchill,“I think you ought to realize the way we view the situation in Singapore... The honor of the British Empire and of the British Army is at stake. I rely on you to show no mercy to weakness in any form.”(Churchill, Feb.10,1941.)This quotation reveals how important Singapore is . This is important because although Britain tried their best to protect Singapore, it’s still be taken away by Japan. It shows why Britain felt extremely shameful and angry…
- 1010 Words
- 5 Pages
Good Essays -
¬My personal triangle consists of Malaysia, the country I was born in, along with Indonesia and Singapore, where my parents migrated from. As a frequent traveller to these neighbouring countries, an observation that has intrigued me is that although Singapore was the last country to obtain independence, the nation has vastly developed to become an economic powerhouse, constantly topping the HDI and GDP per capita index. This makes me ponder upon what had stereed the island nation to achieve astonishing success? Would the answer simply be as theori…
- 354 Words
- 2 Pages
Good Essays -
Firstly, the process of decolonization in Southeast Asia was a violent struggle as nations had to contend with the emergent wave of communism that was sweeping across Southeast Asia. During the process of decolonization and independence, the countries had to fend off the communists(be it the governments or the colonial masters) in order for the colonialists to be willing to withdraw from the country as they were extremely wary of communism especially due to the cold war and the rise of communist Russia. As such, the fight against the communists led to much bloodshed and violence in Southeast Asia. This can be seen in Indonesia during the Madiun affair of September 1948 where the PKI launched a coup to try and oust Sukarno’s government. However, the government sent the army to harshly crack down on the communist using measures to contain them, maintaining their position in the country. With such strong anti-communist sentiments in the government, the USA used the Marshall plan to convince the Dutch to withdraw from Indonesia and grant them independence. Next, in Malaya, the communist emergency of June 1948 also helped the British remove a potent threat and in turn helped to guide Malaya toward independence. The communist…
- 1326 Words
- 6 Pages
Good Essays -
The Singapore Story, history of Singapore, was introduced only 30years after Singapore’s independence on August 9, 1965. It was recorded in a chronological order where it followed the historical events, Japanese Occupation, race riots, merger and separation, which had happened in Singapore. Therefore, we cannot not deny the fact that incidents, 19641 and 1969 race riots, involving race and religion never happened. They are part of our history2 (Lee, 1997). The term “objective” suggested that it is not influenced by personal feeling, interpretations, or prejudice; based on facts; unbiased3. However, history is the past and historians are those who study and write about history4 (Warren, 1997). This sentence sparked an argument if Singapore Story was “objective” when it was seen from a Singapore standpoint. The Singapore Story had an objective which was for the nation building and to do so, the history curriculum was shifted significantly to the teaching and learning of Singapore’s history5 (Gan 1997). Therefore, seen from a Singaporean standpoint, we were biased, but it was objective.…
- 1204 Words
- 4 Pages
Powerful Essays