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| Picture (top): This money was used during the Japanese Occupation. By the time the war ended, the "banana money" had no value and became useless. |
POLITICAL (Military, Law, Government)
- Singapore was renamed Syonan-to.
- propaganda campaigns to influence the locals to support the Japanese.
- Japanese nationalism (spirit) was promoted and western influence was removed.
- controlled mass media (i.e. radio broadcasts, newspapers, etc.).
- used fear to control the locals.
- military government took control of Singapore.
- Malays and Indians were promised freedom from colonial rule (independence) if they supported the Japanese.
- Kempeitai (police) restored and maintained law and order.
- strict laws were enforced.
- resistance to Japanese rule (MPAJA)*
ECONOMIC (Money, Trade, Supplies, Employment)
- Entrepot trade was disrupted.
- rationing was practised (i.e food and basic necessities).
- black market existed.
- food and basic necessities were sold at high prices due to shortage.
- Mass printing of money [banana money] leading to the devaluation of local currency.
- widespread food shortages.
- people grew their own crops and made their own basic necessities.
- alternative ingredients were used to make food.
- "Peace Living Certificates" were issued to every household.
- available resources were used by the Japanese to enhance their war efforts in other parts of the world.
SOCIAL (Health, Education, Housing, Living conditions)
- European soldiers (P.O.Ws - Prisoner of War) and civilians were forced to march 22km to Changi prison.
- Eurasians and anti-Japanese suspects were tortured and killed.
- many Chinese became victims of Japanese atrocities.
- many locals lived in poverty and were suffering from malnutrition (poor health conditions).
- locals boycotted Japanese goods.
- those who opposed the Japanese were drafted into forced labour or the death railway camps in Thailand.
- schools and offices had to begin the day by singing the Japanese national anthem (facing the direction of Japan).
- Mass drills were carried out for students, teachers and workers.
- Japanese language was made compulsory learning in schools.
*The Malayan Peoples' Anti-Japanese Army (MPAJA) was a resistance movement during Japanese-occupied Malaya during World War II.
QUESTION:
Which aspect do you think has the greatest impact on the locals living in Singapore at that time?
