AMKSS Chpt 7 (sec 2 hist)

A NG M O K IO S ECONDARY S CHOOL S ECONDARY 2 H ISTORY C HAPTER 7 – L IFE IN S INGAPORE AFTER THE J APANESE O CCUPATION (1945-1959) Name: _____________________________ ( ) Class: _______ Date: __________ By the end of this chapter, you should know: □ How did the British deal with post-war problems in Singapore □ How did external developments in the post-war period affect Singapore □ How did the locals respond to British rule in the post-war period □ How Singapore eventually attained full internal self-government in 1959 Introduction/Background • After the heavy casualties and damage from the atomic bombs, Japan officially surrendered to the Allies on 2 September 1945, marking the end of World War II (WWII). • From 5 September 1945 to 31 March 1946, Singapore and Malaya came under the rule of the British Military Administration (BMA). Life & Experiences after World War II in | Post-War Singapore | After the Japanese surrendered, many welcomed the return of the British. There was hope that Singapore would return to prosperity and stability under the British. The British set up a provisional government known as the British Military Administration (BMA) to improve the situation in Singapore between 5 September 1945 to 31 March 1946, before it would be returned to civilian rule. However, there were mixed reactions towards the British rule as the British were not entirely successful in meeting the peoples’ demands. W HAT PROBLEMS / ISSUES DID THE PEOPLE FACE ? [S TATE + D ESCRIBE ] W HAT DID THE B RITISH DO TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE ? [S TATE + D ESCRIBE ]

People in Singapore continued to experience food shortages after the Japanese surrendered • Rice-producing countries like Thailand could not produce enough rice to sell • Rice could hardly enter Singapore as the harbour was blocked by the sunken merchant ships • Few warehouses available for rice to be stored and stocked up • People suffered from malnutrition The British Military Administration made efforts to address the food shortages: • Harbours were cleared to allow ships to enter the port • Prices of essential food supplies such as vegetables, fresh fish, salt and sugar were controlled o However, Black Markets continued to thrive • Free meals given to children below six Page |1 W HAT PROBLEMS / ISSUES DID THE PEOPLE FACE ? [S TATE + D ESCRIBE ] W HAT DID THE B RITIS