Y3 British Malaya Notes

Colonialism: A Case Study of British Malaya British Presence in Malaya (Pre 1870) ➔ British East India Company sought to establish trading bases through signing treaties in the region ◆ To protect trade between China and India ◆ Allowed traders to resupply and repair their ships ● Wait for favorable winds to continue their journey ◆ Buy Local products and sell European goods Penang ➔ British East India set up a trading port in Penang in 1786 ◆ Given to them by the Sultan of Kedah ◆ British in turn gave protection against Siam (Thailand) ◆ Accepted the offer to safeguard and protect their commerce from piracy Straits Settlements ➔ Formed in 1826 ◆ Made up of Melaka, Penang and Singapore ◆ Ruled by a British Governor to cut costs and better promote trade Conclusion ➔ Early British presence in Malaya was rather limited

British Presence in Malaya (Post 1870) Historical Conditions Economic Opportunities for British Trade Context: Industrial Revolution ➔ Production of machine manufactured goods in the late 19th century ◆ Continuous supply of raw material needed ◆ Tin was too expensive to produce ➔ Large tin deposits were discovered in some Malay States ◆ Supply was threatened by disorder in the tin-mining areas ◆ The British felt they had to intervene in local politics to protect their interests Context: Opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 ➔ Travelling time between Britain and Malaya from 4 months to 6 weeks ➔ Increased trade between South East Asia and the World ◆ Encouraged European Expansion overseas ➔ With the increased trade in South East Asia, the British needed to find new bases in the region to protect British shipping and fight piracy along the waterways Competition from other European Powers Context: The Long Depression (1873-1896) ➔ Caused Britain to lose dominance in the world economy to newly industrialised countries ◆ Sought to maintain its dominance by seizing more territories to protect existing trade links ➔ However, other European powers were also keen in extending their political influence and trade (French, Dutch) How would such a situation prompt the British to react? ➔ Britain's reaction was governed by fear ◆ If they did not intervene in the Malay States, other European countries may secure a firm footing there and threaten economic interests

◆ If they failed to respond to requests by Local Malay rulers to resolve local disputes, they may turn to other European powers for help Context: Change in British Colonial Policy ➔ Prior to 1873 ◆ The Government b