By Frances Ess-Ong Hock Lin
Portrait of Sir Thomas Stamford Bingley Raffles (1781-1826)
By George Francis Joseph
Source: National Museum of Singapore
Hundreds of ships crossed the Malacca Straits from the 17th century to January 1819. So why did historians decide that when Sir Stamford Raffles did so on Jan 29, 1819, it was a historic event?
This date has passed us by again without much ado. Should we, as a nation, consider once more the role of Raffles in the founding of Singapore?To answer this, consider historian Niall Ferguson's suggestion to imagine alternative outcomes, or counter factual history, as a way of stressing the contingent aspects of history.
What would have happened if he had not landed in Singapore? Would other British ships or British East India Company clerks have "discovered" Singapore sooner or later?
What would have happened if he had landed in Singapore but was not interested in the local Malay history and the quarrel between the two brothers in the Johor sultanate?
What would have happened if the governor of Penang, John Alexander Bannerman, had not written to the Dutch to assure them that Raffles was out of order and thus stopped the Dutch from invading Singapore?
What would have happened if the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824 was not signed and trade could not continue in Singapore?
When I consider these questions, I realise that Raffles' interest in the history of the Malay Archipelago was pivotal in the discovery of Singapore. Without it, Raffles would have been unsuccessful in establishing a trading post.However, Singapore was still in danger of failing as a great trading post as he had envisioned. Even the creation of the Raffles Town Plan could not have ensured the growth of Singapore, as it could not continue to grow as a local trading hub.
So what would have happened if the "Highway to India", the Suez Canal, had not opened in 1869, thereby throwing a new lifeline to trade in Singapore?
Even so, what would have happened if botanist Sir Henry Nicholas Ridley, the first director of Singapore's Botanic Gardens, had not promoted the growing of the rubber tree in Malaysia, thus creating the hinterland that ensured our continued growth?
These two counter factual questions seem to indicate that Raffles was responsible for getting the ball rolling, but historical forces beyond his control must be taken into account for the development and growth of Singapore.
One final question: If Raffles had not established a trading post in 1819, sooner or later, would anyone else have, considering that the opening of the Suez Canal would demand a hub in the rich but long India-China trade route?
My conclusion is that Raffles had been there 50 years earlier, and it was lucky for Singapore that he had a deep interest in history.
A final word - speculation is free but history is expensive. Perhaps, this is why Singaporeans do not really care if Jan 29 has any significance in our collective memory.
The writer is an educator.
Source:
Today Paper (online) 30 Jan 2012
Copyright 2012 MediaCorp Pte Ltd | All Rights Reserved
Activities 1 & 2
1) The founding of Singapore was just the beginning. Read the above article and describe the "historical forces" that promoted Singapore's growth and development as a trading port.
2) In your own words, tell us what may happen if Raffles had not founded Singapore on Jan 29, 1819.
Write your answers in the comment box below.
Portrait of Sir Thomas Stamford Bingley Raffles (1781-1826)
By George Francis Joseph
Source: National Museum of Singapore
Hundreds of ships crossed the Malacca Straits from the 17th century to January 1819. So why did historians decide that when Sir Stamford Raffles did so on Jan 29, 1819, it was a historic event?
This date has passed us by again without much ado. Should we, as a nation, consider once more the role of Raffles in the founding of Singapore?To answer this, consider historian Niall Ferguson's suggestion to imagine alternative outcomes, or counter factual history, as a way of stressing the contingent aspects of history.
What would have happened if he had not landed in Singapore? Would other British ships or British East India Company clerks have "discovered" Singapore sooner or later?
What would have happened if he had landed in Singapore but was not interested in the local Malay history and the quarrel between the two brothers in the Johor sultanate?
What would have happened if the governor of Penang, John Alexander Bannerman, had not written to the Dutch to assure them that Raffles was out of order and thus stopped the Dutch from invading Singapore?
What would have happened if the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824 was not signed and trade could not continue in Singapore?
When I consider these questions, I realise that Raffles' interest in the history of the Malay Archipelago was pivotal in the discovery of Singapore. Without it, Raffles would have been unsuccessful in establishing a trading post.However, Singapore was still in danger of failing as a great trading post as he had envisioned. Even the creation of the Raffles Town Plan could not have ensured the growth of Singapore, as it could not continue to grow as a local trading hub.
So what would have happened if the "Highway to India", the Suez Canal, had not opened in 1869, thereby throwing a new lifeline to trade in Singapore?
Even so, what would have happened if botanist Sir Henry Nicholas Ridley, the first director of Singapore's Botanic Gardens, had not promoted the growing of the rubber tree in Malaysia, thus creating the hinterland that ensured our continued growth?
These two counter factual questions seem to indicate that Raffles was responsible for getting the ball rolling, but historical forces beyond his control must be taken into account for the development and growth of Singapore.
One final question: If Raffles had not established a trading post in 1819, sooner or later, would anyone else have, considering that the opening of the Suez Canal would demand a hub in the rich but long India-China trade route?
My conclusion is that Raffles had been there 50 years earlier, and it was lucky for Singapore that he had a deep interest in history.
A final word - speculation is free but history is expensive. Perhaps, this is why Singaporeans do not really care if Jan 29 has any significance in our collective memory.
The writer is an educator.
Source:
Today Paper (online) 30 Jan 2012
Copyright 2012 MediaCorp Pte Ltd | All Rights Reserved
Activities 1 & 2
1) The founding of Singapore was just the beginning. Read the above article and describe the "historical forces" that promoted Singapore's growth and development as a trading port.
2) In your own words, tell us what may happen if Raffles had not founded Singapore on Jan 29, 1819.
Write your answers in the comment box below.
2/8-32
ReplyDelete1)The historical forces that promoted Singapore's growth and development as a trading port is the "Highway to India" also known as the Suez Canal. The first director of Singapore's Botanic Gardens, Sir Henry Nicholas Ridley, promoted the growing of the rubber tree in Malaysia, thus creating the hinterland that ensured Singapore's growth. The most important was the Anglo-Dutch treaty of 1824. Without the treaty, trade could not continue in Singapore.
2)If Raffles had not founded Singapore on January 29,1819 Singapore would not be as successful as it it today because without Raffles, there would not be Farquhar but maybe John Crawfurd would still develop Singapore. Raffles helped alot in developing Singapore. If it was not for him, Singapore would not be as successful as it is today.
2/7 -19
ReplyDeleteSingapore had a rubber plantation and the bontanic gardens. It also had a good trading system
2/7-06
ReplyDelete1)Raffles was responsible to get the ball rolling and therefore, the rubber plantation and botanical garden was made.
2)Singapore may still be fishing village which is not developed and it will not be as clean as what is it today. There will not be any tall building. therefore< we are lucky that Raffles founded Singapore on Jan 29,1819.
2/7-19
ReplyDelete1) singapore had bontanic gardens and a rubber plantation and a good trading system and had a deep harbour that is easy to off load the good
2)If raffles had not founded Singapore, the dutch would have founded Singapore. Singapore would still be a fishinkg village and would not have a high level of technology.
2/7 (1)
ReplyDelete1)Singapore has a rubber plantation and botanic gardens.Singapore had advances like a good supply of water and a deep habour for ships to come in to Singapore to unload thir goods.This promoted Singapore's growth and development.
2)Singapore would not be advanced in techonology.Singapore would still be a fishing village.The dutch would have taken over Singapore.Singapore would not have people living in the area.Singapore would be useless. Singapore would fall.
2/7-14
ReplyDeleteIf Raffles didn't found Singapore on 29 January 1819, the Dutch could have taken over Singapore. Singapore could have been a dutch-controlled country and i think that Singapore would not have that much traders as when Raffles is the founder as the dutch charges high taxes and it is too expensive for some traders, so they would not attract so many traders eventhough they pass by Singapore everytime.
Raffles has contributed many things to help Singapore grow into the city that it is now. Back then, he established a town plan and free trade. His free trade helped to attract many traders who are sailing pass Singapore with their ships. His town plan helped to maintain Singapore.
If the governor of Penang, John Alexander Bannerman did not write to the Dutch that Raffles was out of order, Singapore would have been unsuccessful and would not be peaceful as the Dutch had stopped invading Singapore, thanks to John Alexander Bannerman.
2/7-31
ReplyDelete1)One of the "historical forces"are the rubber plantations. Rubber Plantations had attracted to many people from different different countries to come to singapore to trade. This made singapore a vibrant trading port.
Another "historical force" is the suez canal.
the suez canal invited and attracted many people to come to singapore to trade. If not for these "historical forces" singapore would not have been a sucessful trading port.
2)If Raffles had not founded Singapore, other European ships & trading companies would have discovered singapore and made it its own. The Anglo- Dutch treaty would not have been signed. Singapore would not be such a vibrant trading port.
2/7-35
ReplyDelete1)If Raffles did not land in Singapore, then Singpore would not have been founded and Singapore would not be what it is today.
If the botanical gardens was not founded, then rubber trees will not be grown in malaysia and trading ships will not be sailing to south east asia to trade and Singapore would just be a quiet fishing village.
If the British governor did not write to the Dutch to assure them that Raffles had not founded Singapore, then the Dutch would probably have founded Singapore.
2)If Raffles had not founded Singapore, the Dutch would probably have founded Singapore and Singapore would probably not be what it is today because of the different planning of building Singapore to what they want it to be. The Dutch could also have founded Singapore if the British governor did not assure that Raffles has not established Singapore.
2/7-26
ReplyDelete1)Sir Henry Nicholas Ridley had promoted the growth of the rubber tree plantation in Malaysia which created a hinterland to ensure Singapore's growth
2)If Raffles had not founded Singapore,no one would have known that Singapore is a trading area and Singapore would have been deserted for a very long time and would have also ended up like Bencoolen and Penang
2/7-33
ReplyDelete1)If a founder was to found a place and not establish it, he or she would not have been considered as a founder as that person did not establish the place. In order to promote a settlement, people have to spread news to other countries such as India and China. Thus, the population would grow more rapidly and the settlement will grow. In order for a settlement to be attractive to other people, the settlement has to have resources such as fresh drinking water and a good harbour like Singapore.
2) If Raffles had not founded Singapore in 1819, the settlement would not have been this advanced and things would definitely be different from how they are today. If no one founded Singapore, Singapore would have just remained a fishing village and would not have turned into a free trading port. There would also be no town plan and free trade. Wihtout these things, the settlement would have not grown and just remained a fishing village. In addition to that, if Raffles had not founded Singapore, Singapore would still be under the Dutch control.
2/7-22
ReplyDeletePeople from mostly China, India, the Malay Archipelago and in South East Asia came to Singapore to trade. With natural resources like drinking water and a good harbour, people came and stayed in Singapore. Thus, this leads to a rapid population.
If Raffles had not founded Singapore in 1819, we would still be a fishing village and would not have turned into a free trading port. Raffles established Singapore by setting a settlement and a Town Plan. Without these establishments, we would not be this advanced with technology.
2/7-18
ReplyDelete1.Raffles founded Singapore and signed the Anglo-Dutch treaty and create his town plan and opened the 'Highway to India' the Suez Canal and create the newlife line to let traders to trade in Singapore and by promoting the growth of the rubber tree in Malaysia had created the hinterland that had ensured our countinued growth in Singapore. He also established atrading post in 1819. Hence,this are the historical forces that promoted Singapore's growth and development as a trading port.
2.If Raffles had not founded Singapore, i think the Dutch would have founded it and developed it. However, i think that they will developed it differently from how Raffles did. We probably had to pay higher taxes and Singapore may not be as clean and developed like how it is now.
2/7-07
ReplyDeleteIf Raffles havr not found Singapore, there could have been a high possiblility that the Dutch would have found Singapore. As, the British had to find a suitable port due to the European rivalry and dutch monopoly in the region. The British needed to find a suitable port. That was the reason why the Raffles found a fishing port, named Singapore. Another reason was Raffles interest in the Malay Archipelago without his finding Raffles might not have have found a developed and successful fishing port known as Singapore today.
2/7-29
ReplyDelete1)The "historical forces" that promoted Singapore is that Raffles made it a better place to live in and he also upgrade the trading port into a better one. Ships that pass by the trading port no need to pay taxes but other trading port need to.So many people will come and trade with us.
2) If Raffles did not find Singapore, we will still be a fishing villiage or maybe we will be part of Malaysia. Maybe some other people will find Singapore and developed this country but it will not be the same as now.Therefpre,if Raffles did not found Singapore,maybe the sultanate will developed this country and we will be part of Malaysia
2/7-30
ReplyDelete1) The "historical forces" that promoted Singapore's growth was that Raffles established a trading port in 1819 and soon Singapore became more popular among the other trading routes over time.
2) If Raffles had not founded Singapore, I think we would not be as successful as we are right now. I also think that Singapore is proud to have Raffles as our founder.
2/7-11
ReplyDelete1)Rubber plantations encouraged many people from other countries to come to Singapore.Without sir Henry Nicholas ridley Introducing rubber plantations, Singapore would not have been as successful. The suez canal also played its part in encouraging many traders to come to Singapore to trade. without it, Singapore would not have been such a great trading port. Raffles' interest in the Malay Archipelago was very important. without it, Raffles would have failed in making Singapore a good trading port.
2)If Raffles did not found Singapore on jan 29 1819, Singapore might not have turned out to be such a successful trading port. Raffles made many contributions such as introducing the Raffles Town Plan. Singapore would have fallen into the hands of the Dutch and would not have been a vibrant trading settlement as The dutch would make trading ships that pass by their port fly the dutch flag and they would have to pay high taxes. Thus, If Raffles did not found Singapore, it would have been very unsuccessful.
(2/7-10)
ReplyDelete1)Sir Henry Nicolas Ridley was the first director of Singapore Botanic Gardens , promoted the growing of rubber tree in malaysia . Traders from other countries would want to learn more about rubber plantation and would want to trade their items for the rubber tree . Malaysia is located at the South East Asia and when traders go to Malaysia to trade , they will also pass by Singapore . Thus , The rubber plantation in malaysia helps the growth and development as a trading port in Singapore .
2)If Raffles had not founded Singapore at 1819 , Singapore will be under the Dutch's control , thus Singapore will not be a free trading port. If the trading port is too expensive , no traders would want to come Singapore and trade . Thus , Singapore would not have been known by other traders .
2/7-03
ReplyDelete1)Sir Henry Nicholas Ridley, the director of Singapore's Bontanic Gardens, previously did promote rubber plantaions in Malaysia, hence, traders all around the world wants to come to South East Asia to learn more about the rubber plantations and also to trade rubber plantations.Therefore, when they go to Malaysia and to trade rubber plantations, will pass by Singapore, as Singapore and Malaysia are like neighbour countries.
2)If Raffles did not found Singapore on the 29 of January 1819. We would be under the Dutch controL,hence, Singapore will not be a free trading port and traders will not know about Singapore, cause Singapore is under the Dutch control, whoever come to Singapore and trade will have to pay high taxes and traders would have to fly the Dutch flag, because of these conditions,traders are not willing to come to Singapore to trade, hence Singapore soon will become a poor trading port.
2/7-04
ReplyDelete(1)The geograpghical area where Singapore is located. Singapore was located near the Melaka Straits.
(2) If Raffles did not find Singapore, perhaps the Dutch may have been our founder and not Raffles. If Raffles had not found Singapore, We may still be a fishing village and not a developed country with tall buildings. Singapore would be an unknown country.
2/7-09
ReplyDelete(1)singapores geographical location, as it is located in the middle of the straits of melaka. and the waters at the port were very deep which helped traders trade. and also the dutch monopoly and the european rivaly.
(2) If Raffles had not founded singapore on Jan 29, 1819, most probably we would either be forgotten or founded by the Dutch. or maybe singapore may stil be a fishing village and not a modern country. singapore might be discovered by other people, maybe more modern and successful. but for sure if raffles had not founded singapore, singapore wouldnt be as successful trading port as singapore when raffles founded it, as he made free and there were no taxes.
2/7-32
ReplyDelete1)If not for the Malay Archipelago, Singapore would be unsuccessful as traders would not come to Singapore to trade. Though Raffles drafted out a town plan, that did not ensure that Singapore would be a successful trading port. If not for the botanist Sir Henry Nicholas Ridely for promoting growth of rubber tree in Malaysia, Singapore would not have as much growth and development it had. Therefore, every part of the contributions played at least a small part in Singapore's growth and development.
2)If Raffles had not found Singapore, the Dutch might have founded Singapore as the Dutch and British were competing for monopoly of trade routes and profits. If he had not found Singapore, Singapore might still be a fishing village or be a country that is less developed than others. Therefore, if Raffles had not found Singapore, Singapore would not be as successful as it is today.
2/7 - 21
ReplyDeletea) The historical forces that promoted Singapore's growth is because of the British and Dutch rivalry and Raffles in interested in the malay history history and the quarrel between the 2 brothers.
b) If Raffles have not found Singapore then, Singapore would have not be as developed. The town plan separated the different races. If there was no town plan, the different races would go against one another because of disagreement.
2/7-28
ReplyDelete1)The"historical forces" that promoted singapore's growth is because of the british and dutch rivalry and raffles is interested in the malay history and the quarrel between the two brothers.
2)If raffles have not found singapore, singapore would not have been developed. the town plan had also separated the different races to prevent them from fighting from each other.
2/7-o8
ReplyDelete1) The historical forces that contributed to Singapore's growth and development as a trading port is because of Raffles finding of Singapore as a trading port and the suez canal opened in 1869 which added a new lifeline to trade in Singapore and the signing of anglo-dutch treaty and the promotion of rubber tree growth in MAlaysia,l there-by creating the hinterland which continued our growth.
2) i think that if Raffles had not founded Singapore it would niot have become a high developed country as of now, i am grateful that he has founded Singapore and that it has turned in to a high-develooped country.
2/7-34
ReplyDelete1)Botanist Sir Henry Nicholas Ridley, the first director of Singapore's Botanic Gardens, promoted the growing of rubber trees. Thus creating the hinterland that ensured our continued growth.
2)If Raffles had not founded Singapore, Singapore would not have been a successful trading port. Thus the Dutch would have taken over singapore.
2/7-27
ReplyDelete1. If not for the Malay Archipelago, Singapore would not have been a successful trading port. Singapore was located along the Straits of Melaka and for traders to be able to go to other trading ports, they would have to past by Singapore to go to the other trading ports in the Malay Archipelago. Also if not for the plantation of the rubber tree, Singapore would not have ensured our continued growth. Thus, Singapore's growth and development grew well with Raffles help.
2. If Raffles had not founded Singapore, our country would not be what it is like today. It takes a good foundation to build a country, not just a man. Without Raffles, our country would not have been developed or modern just like how Singapore is today.
1): Raffles' town planning for Singapore when he first found Singapore.
ReplyDelete2): If Raffles had not founded Singapore on January 29, 1819, Singapore won't be a popular trading port and a successful island like today. And Singapore won't be as beautiful as today.
2/8 - 06
1. Without the signing of Anglo-Dutch Treaty in 1824 , trade could not have happen in Singapore. However Raffles' interest in the history of the Malay Archipelago was pivotal in the discovery of Singapore.The opening of Suez Canal in 1869 created a new lifeline for trading in Singapore.
ReplyDelete2. Should Raffles had not founded Singapore on Jan 29,1819. Maybe the other British ships or British East India company would have discovered Singapore ? However , as Singapore was a sleeping fishing village , not all of them have such a good foresight unlike Raffles. Even if one had a good foresight like Raffles , will Singapore become a trading port known to all traders. (2/8 - 02)
2/8 -16
ReplyDeleteThe historical forces that develop the trading port is that if Anglo-Dutch treaty was not signed, Singapore than could not trade anymore.without the treaty raffles would also have been unsuccessful in establishing trading port. Raffles town plan help in Singapore growth because if the botanist sir henry Nicholas Ridley, the first director of singapore garden, had not promoted the growing of rubber tree in Malaysia, Singapore wouldn't have a steady growth.so the raffles town plan is important.
2) If raffles did not found Singapore on 29 Jan 1819, we would not have what we have today. Because if raffles did not came to Singapore, they would not have signed the treaty with temenggong and sultan hussein . Without that treaty, they could not break free from the dutch monopoly, and the British had to pay high taxes, resulting of loss of money. Adding to it, if Raffles did not found Singapore, Singapore would have been found by other people or still the same quiet fishing village along the Singapore river.
2/8-24
ReplyDelete1)Raffles's town planning for singapore when he first found Singapore.
2)Singapore wouldn't be a successful country and a modern country if Raffles didn't find Singapore.Singapore won't be a popular trading port
2/8-22
ReplyDeleteIf Raffles had not founded Singapore, the Dutch may have founded Singapore instead. If the Dutch founded Singapore, they would have total control of the Malay Archipelago. However the Dutch left Singapore cause they thought it was a small fishing village. As a result, the Dutch focused more on Penang and Bencoolen. Therefore, if Raffles had not founded Singapore, Singapore would not have been a wall known port for ships to pass through.
2/8-03
ReplyDelete1)Raffle's Town planning promoted Singapore as a famous trading port for traders.
2)If Raffles didn't found Singapore on the 29 Jan 1819 , Singapore wouldn't be a famous and modern city now.
15-2/8
ReplyDeleteActivity 1.
The "historical forces" are:that Raffles discovered Singapore,he signed an Anglo-Dutch treaty,Raffles town plan.
Activity 2.
If Raffles had not founded Singapore, Singapore would still have been a quiet fishing village.We would not have been a wealthy and thriving port.Without Raffles Town Plan , Singapore would not be what it is today.If Raffles did not find Singapore, Singapore would never be local trading hub and what we are today.
Q1) Without the growing of the rubber plants in Malaysia, Singapore would not have develop into a successful country like it is now. It is also by the help of Sir Henry Nicholas Ridley that the Singapore Botanic Gardens is one of the factors that is mainly causing the rise in development in Singapore.
ReplyDeleteQ2) Without the founding of Singapore by Raffles, Singapore may not even be called what it is now. It may still be found but maybe by other countries and we may not have been the united harmonious country like we are now.
Siti Khadijah (2/7-25)
1) Singapore was a ideal geographical location, located at the centre of the Malay Archipelago along the Straits of Melaka. It was also believed that Singapore was a suitable port with its natural deep harbor and had a supply of fresh water. Singapore could also serve as a convenient stopover for the traders sailing from India and Europe to China and vice-versa. Singapore's trading port was also free at that time and traders did not have to pay high fees and heavy taxes unlike trading at the Dutch-controlled ports where trading fees had to be paid.
ReplyDelete2) If Raffles had not founded Singapore, we will not be living in such an advanced country like Singapore, now. We will also not be able to enjoy life with advanced technology and a clean environment. We will not have buildings such as Raffles' Hotel and Raffles City, which were part of Raffles' town plan. Firstly,the treaty that allowed Raffles to have the southern part of Singapore island would not be signed. Without the treaty, William Farquhar would not have got new settlements started, neither could he have built huts for people or started a small police force to keep law and order within the people in Singapore. Also, without the treaty,Dr, John Crawfurd, the second president of Singapore, would not make Singapore a British possession or gain the whole of Singapore. William Farquhar would then not turn Singapore island, a quiet fishing village, into a busy town full of new settlers. John Crawfurd would also not have allowed legalised gambling and opiums(drugs) which allowed him to make a profit in order to build settlements according to Raffles' town plan.Therefore, Singapore would not have been so developed and people would not be able to live so peacefully as they are now.
2/8-19
(2/7-24)
ReplyDelete2)If Raffles has not found Singapore on the 29 / Jan / 1819 , Singapore would still be a small fishing village or Singapore would be found by someone but it will not be as well-developed like now. It will not be having tall buildings and trades coming to Singapore to trade. Without Raffles hard work and effort for Singapore, Singapore would be an unknown country n it would not be a bustling country like now. Therefore, 29 / Jan / 1819 is an important day as Raffles founded Singapore.
1) It promoted Singapore's growth by having a trading port and the location of Singpore's trading port was good as it in the centre of the map. The treaty would not be signed. The 2 sultanate would not quarrel over the treaty being signed. Without Raffles, Singapore would be just a failing trading port. It would be a failure for Raffles if Singapore was not a successful port.
ReplyDelete2)If Raffles have not founded Singapore, I myself do not even know whether will i be born into this world. Maybe Singapore, would still be a small village or maybe Malaysia may use this big piece of island for another use. If i was born in the same generation as Raffles, no one know whether i could be the next ruler of this country? Anything can happen.
Class : 2/8
Register Number : 39
2/8-17
ReplyDeleteThe 'historical forces' that promoted Singapore's growth and development as a trading port is very strong. The history made a lot of difference between the Singapore now and the Singapore in the past.
Singapore had became a trading port because of Raffles founding Singapore and made is successful in establishing it. He signed the Anglo-Ductch Treaty which made the trade continue. And because of it, the Singapore which is a island that is not popular, became a popular trading port with a lot of traders came to trade.
If Raffles had not found Singapore, there will be no Singapore today. Singapore would still be a place where people fish and live poorly. Singapore would not be the Singapore now where there is high technology and we would not be having a good life like now. If Raffles had not founded Singapore, we may be another country that is poor and I may not be alive. If raffles had not found Singapore we may belong to the dutch and is part of the dutch. There won't be schools, shopping mall or places that we need. If Singapore was not founded, Singapore won't be the Singapore today.
1)The "historical forces" that promoted singapore as a trading port are, the geographical location of singapore, the competition between the british and dutch rivalry for profits and monopoly of trade routes. The importance of the china-india trade, and the unsuitability of Penang and Bencoolen trading ports for the british.
ReplyDelete2)If Raffles had not founded singapore, we would have been controlled by the dutch and the once known sleepy village would not turn out to be a successful settlement and a trading port, to the morden singapore we have today. Or we may be founded by another country, singapore would not be known to the world as the little red dot.
-2/8 (7)