AMKSS Chpt 1 (sec 1 hist)

A NG M O K IO S ECONDARY S CHOOL S ECONDARY 1 H ISTORY C HAPTER 1 – T HE R ISE & D ECLINE OF T EMASEK BETWEEN 13 TH AND 18 TH CENTURY Name: _____________________________ ( ) Class: _______ Date: __________ By the end of this chapter, you should know: □ How did early Singapore (Temasek) rise as a port-of-call in the 1300s □ Why did Singapore decline since the 1400s Reasons for the rise of Temasek as a port-of-call in the 1300s *Port-of-call: an intermediate port where ships customarily stop for supplies, repairs, or trade What is the factor? [State] What is the factor about? [Describe/Examples] One reason for the rise of Temasek as a port-of-call in the 1300s was Temasek’s favourable geographical location. • Singapore is located along the Straits of Melaka. • Ships travelling from China to India and beyond would have to pass through the Straits of Melaka as the fastest route to their destination. • Singapore offered a convenient stop and safe harbour for traders passing through the Straits of Melaka. Another reason for the rise of Temasek as a port of-call in the 1300s was because of favourable monsoon wind patterns to Temasek. • Monsoon winds are seasonal rain-bearing winds that determined sailing journeys. • The different monsoon wind patterns experienced by Singapore at different times of the year encouraged traders to stop and trade in Temasek while waiting for the wind patterns to change. • Temasek experienced the southwest monsoon between June to September which allowed ships to move from the Indian Ocean towards China via Southeast Asia. Between December to March, the northeast monsoon carried ships from China towards Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean instead. The rise of Temasek as a port-of-call in the 1300s was due to the fall of Srivijaya. • Srivijaya was a powerful maritime empire with a strong navy that allowed traders to trade safely in the region. • From the 11 th century onwards, Srivijaya declined due to invasions/attacks from other powers such as the Chola, Siamese and Majapahit Kingdom. • Traders found it unsafe to trade with Srivijaya and thus decided to shift northwards, where Temasek was located. Page |1

Reasons for the decline of Temasek since the 15 th century *since 15 th century: from 1400 onwards What is the factor? [State] What is the factor about? [Describe/Examples] Temasek declined in the 15 th century because … there was a fall in trade from China. • In the 14 th century , China experienced severe changes to the weather patterns and suffered from disasters like droughts and famines which caused China’s economy to collapse . • Trade between China and Southeast Asia declined and Temasek lost an important major source of wealth due t0 lesser trade from China . Temasek declined in the 15 th century because … it was attacked by larger powers. • As a small island, Singapore was always vulnerable to external threats such as hostility from larger powers. • For example, the Kingdom of Majapahit and Kingdom of Ayutthaya launched attacks and severely weakened Temasek by the end of the 14 th century, leading to its decline. Temasek declined in the 15 th century because of the founding of Melaka Sultanate . • The Melaka Sultanate was established in the 15 th century. • It was located along the Straits of Melaka, north of Singapore, and enjoyed similar geographical advantages that Singapore had. • However, Parameswara (the founder of the Melaka Sultanate) established Melaka’s status as a vassal of China. This meant that it would pay tribute to the Chinese emperor in exchange for protection. • Parameswara also attracted Muslim traders to Melaka after he converted to Islam and married a Muslim princess from Sumatra. • Melaka Sultanate became more attractive for traders, overtaking Temasek as the main trading centre in the region. Page |2