History Chapter 2

• • The British East-India Company (EIC) needed to protect the lucrative India-China trade, and to do so they would have to control the Straits of Melaka and the waters surrounding Singapore.
• • The British and the Dutch had been fierce competitors for trade outside of Europe.
  • However, the Dutch controlled a larger part of Southeast Asia as compared to the British, therefor ethe British had limited success establishing a trading port in Southeast Asia up to this time.
• • The Dutch East India Company (VOC) monopolised the trade in cloves, mace and nutmeg.
  • The Dutch shifted the main trade routes to the Sunda Straits. Dutch ports like Batavia (Present-day Jakarta) became the key trading ports in Southeast Asia, replacing Melaka.
• • The British were confined to trading in Bencoolen since the Dutch had more control over the waterways of the Straits of Melaka and Sunda Straits.
• Why did the British become more involved in Southeast Asia in the 19th century?

  Spices from parts of Asia was as valuable as gold in Europe.
• Why was Bencoolen not suitable as a British Trading Port?

  It was situated on the western side of Sumatra and not on the main trading route between India and China.
• Why was Penang not suitable as a British trading port?

  Penang was too far north to allow the British to control the Straits of Melaka or protect British ships travelling through the Straits.
• Why was Singapore suitable as a Trading Post?

  Singapore had multiple qualities that made it an ideal port. Singapore was a sheltered harbour, had accessible drinking water, and was a halfway port between China and India.
• • When Sultan Mahmud passed away in 1812, Tengku Hussein was away in Pahang for his marriage.
  • Those who supported Tengku Hussein were unhappy but were powerless to do anything. Tengku Hussein could only live quietly in Riau without a strong ally.
• • Raffles learnt about Tengku Hussein's situation and invited him to Singapore, promising him protection and financial assistance.
  • Tengku Hussein saw Raffles' invitation to come to Singapore as an opportunity to counter Dutch support.
• • Raffles signed an agreement with Sultan Hussein and the Temenggong which allowed the British to build a trading post in the Southern part of Singapore island.
  • The Temenggong and Sultan Hussein would receive an annual payment as compensation. The British also agreed to give protection and support to the Sultan and Temenggong if they agreed not to make any treaties with other Western powers.
• • The Dutch were angry when they heard the British had established a trading post in Singapore. They claimed Singapore belonged to them since it was part of Johor-Riau.
  • The British government was also angry with Raffles as his actions threatened its friendship with the Dutch.
• Why didn't the Dutch declare war with the British?

  The Dutch had become severely bankrupt and had borrowed heavily from Britian. Any more wars and that would harm their economy.
• Why didn't the British declare war with the Dutch?

  The British was aware of the importance of the Netherlands to their defence and security. The British wanted to keep the Dutch as an ally against future threats.
• How did the British resolve the dispute over Singapore?

  The British and Dutch signed a treaty in 1824 called the 1824 Anglo-Dutch Treaty. The Dutch withdrew their objections to British presence in Singapore.
• The 1824 Treaty of Friendship and Alliance

  Dr John Crawfurd, Sultan Hussein, Temenggong signed this treaty and it gave the British full control over Singapore.
• The 1819 Treaty

  Sir Stamford Raffles, Sultan Hussein, Temenggong signed this treaty and it allowed the British to set up a trading post in the Southern part of Singapore island.
• What were the contributions of Major William Farquhar?

  He was appointed as the first resident of Singapore. Farquhar set up defence positions at the Singapore River and Government Hill (present-day Fort Canning) due to fear of a Dutch attack. The British decided to make Singapore a free port. Farquhar attracted many people to come to Singapore, sold licenses for gambling and the sale of opium and liquor to earn money and set up a police force.
• What were the contribution of Sir Stamford Raffles?


  He designed the Singapore Town Plan (also known as the Jackson plan) with the help of Lieutenant Philip Jackson. Raffles shut down the gambling dens.
• What were the contributions of Dr John Crawfurd?

  He was appointed as the second resident of Singapore. Crawfurd reintroduced licenses for public gambling and sale of opium. The money earnt were used to ensure the smooth running of Singapore. Crawfurd also maintained the policy of free trade in Singapore. Crawfurd introduced street lighting and Singapore's first newspaper.