Singapore's Struggle for Independence (1942-1965)

Flashcards for vocabulary review on Singapore's response to British rule after World War II.

Impregnable Fortress

A term used to describe Singapore's defenses before the Japanese Occupation, which proved to be inaccurate.

Internal Self-Government (1959)

Singapore achieved this in 1959, marking a significant step towards independence.

British Military Administration (BMA)

The administration set up by the British upon their return to Singapore after WWII.

Malayan Emergency

A conflict declared by the British in 1948 to combat communist insurgents in Malaya.

Cold War

A period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union and their respective allies.

Ideology

A system of ideas and ideals, especially one that forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy.

Communism

A political theory advocating class war and leading to a society in which all property is publicly owned and each person is paid according to their abilities and needs.

Capitalism

An economic and political system in which a country's trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit, rather than by the state.

Trade Union

An organization formed by workers to protect their rights and interests.

State of Emergency

A government declaration that grants special powers in response to a crisis.

Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT)

Established in 1927 by the British to provide low-cost housing.

Baby Boom

A period marked by a significant increase in the birth rate.

Slum

An overcrowded, dirty, and run-down city area, usually inhabited by the very poor.

People's Restaurants

Restaurants established by the British to provide affordable meals during food shortages.

Strike

A work stoppage caused by a mass refusal of employees to work.

Legislative Council

A body in Singapore where, for the first time, people were given a say in who would represent them.

Singapore Progressive Party (SPP)

The first political party to contest an election in Singapore.

Custody

The legal right or duty to provide protection and care for someone.

National Service Ordinance

Passed in 1953, requiring all males aged between 18 and 20 to register for National Service.

Demonstration

A public display of feelings by a group towards a person, event, or cause.

Commission

A group of people appointed to perform a specific task, such as conducting an investigation and writing a report.

Constitution

A set of laws that a government must follow.

Labour Front (LF)

A political party led by David Marshall that supported immediate independence for Singapore.

People's Action Party (PAP)

A multiracial party co-founded by Lee Kuan Yew that opposed British rule and wanted immediate independence for Singapore.

Coalition

An alliance between two or more political parties.

Merdeka Talks

Negotiations held in London to press for Singapore's self-government.

Singapore Chinese Middle School Students' Union (SCMSSU)

Banned by Lim Yew Hock's government because of its supposed communist activities.

State of Singapore Act

Act passed by the British Parliament that converted the colony into a state with control over all domestic issues except for internal security.

Constituency

An area in which voters elect a representative to parliament or government.

Citizenship Ordinance of 1957

Enabled some 320,000 residents to become Singapore citizens and thus gave them the right to vote.

Yang di-Pertuan Negara

Replaced the British Governor; Yusof bin Ishak was sworn in as the new Head of State on 3 December 1959.