1. Chapter 1
1.1. How connected was early Singapore to the region and the world?
1.1.1. Singapore has been independent country since 1965. It is an important trading centre for the region and the world. Singapore is also a diverse society. People from different races, who speak different religions, live and work in this country.
1.1.2. In 1856, Dr. John Crawfurd wrote that there was no record of Singapore being occupied. Occasionally used as a hideout by pirates before British arrived.
1.2. How did Singapore's geographical location affect its connections with the region and the world?
1.2.1. These 2 large countries (China & India) were home to old and influential civilisations which traded extensively throughout the region and beyond.
1.2.2. Ancient times, most important trade between civilisations of Asia, Middle East and Europe was a network of land routes known as the Silk Road. This route connected China through Central Asia to the Roman Empire, controlled much of the Middle East and Europe for many centuries.
2. Chapter 2
2.1. Why did the British become more involved in Southeast Asia in the 19th Century?
2.1.1. British presence in the region only grew from the mid-18th century onwards due to the need to protect the India-China trade and interest in the spice trade.
2.2. Importance of the India-China trade.
2.2.1. The EIC (English East India Company) exported cotton and opium from India, as well as wool from Britain, to China. The EIC bought tea, silk porcelain from China, which were highly sought after in Britain at that time.
2.3. Spices:
2.3.1. Mace, Cinnamon, Cloves and Nutmeg.
3. Chapter 3
3.1. How did the British help develop Singapore into a port city?
3.1.1. The British played an important role in Singapore's development.
3.1.2. Free port status
3.1.2.1. Administrative changes
3.1.2.1.1. Law and Order
4. Chapter 4
4.1. Why did migrants come to Singapore after 1819?
4.1.1. It was not easy for people in the past to leave their homelands and start anew in a foreign land far away. Not only did the migrants have to brave the dangers of long-distance travel, such as shipwrecks and disease, they also faced much uncertainty about the future in the lands where they eventually settled.