Chapter 2

• Development of Singapore ; Series of events

  Why the British picked Temasek as a good trading port

  • Natural sheltered harbor (safe harbor sheltered from strong winds)
  • India-China trade (Strategic location when ships past by as it is located along the straits of Melaka)
  • Absence of Dutch (There was rivalry between the British and the Dutch. Given that the Dutch would not have given Temasek up that easily, Raffles took the absence of Dutch as an advantage
• ESTABLISHING A TRADING PORT

  Stamford Raffles recognized Tengku Hussein as rightful Sultan instead of his brother Tengku Abdul Rahman and signed an agreement with Sultan Hussein and Temenggong to allow British to set up a trading post. The British agreed to give protection and support as well as compensation in return if they did not make any treaties with other Western powers

  (Signed on 6th February 1819 * Treaty of SG *)

  Dutch responses : The Dutch and the British government in London were very angry with Raffles for setting up a port in Singapore.
• 1824 Anglo-Dutch Treaty : Purpose ;

  To settle disputes between the Dutch and the British

  That same year:

  1824 * Treaty of friendship alliance *
• William Farquhar

  First Resident of Singapore and set up defence positions as well as ensured that Singapore remained a free port. Moreover, fees not collected from ships entering the port and taxes were only implemented on selected products as opium Went against the orders of Raffles and sold licenses for gambling and sales of opium and liquor he then proceeded to use the money to set up a police force but he was later dismissed by Raffles
• Singapore town plan

  Also called the Jackson Plan Raffles asked his Lieutenant, Philip Jackson for help Allocated areas to the respective ethnic groups in an orderly manner
• Dr. John Crawford Second Resident of Singapore Reintroduced licenses for public gambling and sale of opium Profits earned were used to run Singapore Signed the 1824 Treaty of Friendship and Alliance with Sultan Hussein and the Temenggong Under him, Singapore officially came under the British control
• What was the role of the British East India Company (EIC) in India?

  India was under the control of the British East India Company (EIC)
• What goods did the EIC sell from India to China?

  The EIC sold cotton and opium from India to China
• What items did the EIC buy from China?

  The EIC bought tea, silk, and porcelain from China
• Why were tea, silk, and porcelain considered valuable items for the British?

  They were highly sought after and had significant trade value
• Who controlled the Straits of Melaka and why was it significant?

  The Straits of Melaka were controlled by the Dutch, which was significant for controlling the trade route
• What spices were considered as valuable as gold in Europe?

  Cinnamon, pepper, and nutmeg were as valuable as gold in Europe
• What were the uses of spices in Europe?

  Spices were used for cooking, medicinal purposes, and preserving food
• Why did the EIC want a share of the spice trade?

  The EIC wanted a share of the spice trade to access the areas producing spices
• What were the main objectives of the British East India Company in the India-China trade?

  • Control trade routes
  • Sell cotton and opium from India
  • Buy tea, silk, and porcelain from China
  • Invest in the spice trade