Alongside with Penang and Malacca, Singapore became one of the Straits Settlements and also a jewel in the British colonial crown. Its economic fortunes received more encouragement when palm oil and rubber from neighboring Malaya were processed and shipped out via Singapore. In 1867, Singapore was formally divided from British India and after that made into a directly ruled Crown Colony.
After World War II, Fortress Singapore was seen as a formidable British base. It was with massive naval fortifications guarding against assault by sea. However, the fortress miss fleets as all ships were tied up defending Britain from the Germans. The Japanese also wisely chose to cross Malaya by bicycle instead. Despite hurriedly turning the guns around, this was something the British had not prepared for at all. On February 15, 1942, after a week long fighting when the supplies become very less, Singapore discreditably surrendered and the colony’s previous rulers were packed off to Changi Prison. Tens of thousands perished in the subsequent brutal occupation, and the return of the British in 1945 was less than triumphal — it was clear that their time was up.
After World War II, Fortress Singapore was seen as a formidable British base. It was with massive naval fortifications guarding against assault by sea. However, the fortress miss fleets as all ships were tied up defending Britain from the Germans. The Japanese also wisely chose to cross Malaya by bicycle instead. Despite hurriedly turning the guns around, this was something the British had not prepared for at all. On February 15, 1942, after a week long fighting when the supplies become very less, Singapore discreditably surrendered and the colony’s previous rulers were packed off to Changi Prison. Tens of thousands perished in the subsequent brutal occupation, and the return of the British in 1945 was less than triumphal — it was clear that their time was up.
In the year 1955, Singapore was Granted self-rule. In 1963, Singapore briefly joined Malaysia when the British left. But soon it was expelled because the Chinese-majority city was seen as a threat to Malay dominance. On 9 August 1965, the island became independent. In the next forty years the strict rule by Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew saw Singapore’s economy boom. The country rapidly became one of the wealthiest and most developed in Asia. It also earned a place as one of the four East Asian Tigers. Singapore is presently led by Lee’s son Lee Hsien Loong. The ruling People’s Action Party i.e. PAP continues to dominate the political scene. It has got 82 out of 84 seats in Parliament. In Singapore there is a balancing act between political control and social freedom and it is really enjoyable.
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