History the Rise of Singapore and Lee Kuan Yew
In the annals of history, few narratives rival the remarkable ascent of Singapore – once a humble fishing village, now an unparalleled global force. Its transformation from obscurity to eminence stands as a beacon of resilience, innovation, and visionary leadership in the modern era of nation-building. Now you may wonder how Singapore can change much way better than before. No worries because in this article I’ll show you Singapore's historical background from early history to now’s modern era.
source : https://www.roots.gov.sg/
Early History :
Singapore, originally known as Temasek, was a small but strategic trading post in the 14th century, part of the Srivijaya Empire and later the Sultanate of Johor. Its prime location made it a vital node for regional trade.
Colonial Era :
In 1819, Sir Stamford Raffles, representing the British East India Company, established a trading post in Singapore, recognizing its potential as a key free port. By 1824, Singapore had become a British colony, rapidly growing into a bustling port city, attracting a diverse population of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and other ethnic communities.
World War II :
Singapore's strategic importance made it a target during World War II. In 1942, it fell to Japanese forces and endured a brutal occupation until the British retook it in 1945. The war left deep scars but also sparked a strong desire for self-governance among its people.
Source : https://mothership.sg/
Path to Independence to Modern Era Including a Short Biography of Lee Kuan Yew
Lee Kuan Yew (16 September 1923 – 23 March 2015) was a Singaporean leader and lawyer who served as the first Prime Minister of Singapore from 1959 to 1990. He was also the leader of the People's Action Party (PAP) from 1954 to 1992. He is well known for being the founder of modern Singapore and for turning the country into a highly developed nation.
Lee was born in Singapore when it was a British colony. He went to Raffles Institution and later won a scholarship to Raffles College, which is now the National University of Singapore. During the Japanese occupation, Lee avoided a purge and started his own businesses while working for the Japanese propaganda office. After World War II, he briefly studied at the London School of Economics before transferring to Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, to study law. He graduated with top honors in 1947 and qualified as a lawyer in 1950. When he returned to Singapore, he practiced law and campaigned for an end to British rule.
Source : https://www.roots.gov.sg/
In 1954, Lee founded the People's Action Party (PAP) and became its first leader, a role he held for nearly 40 years. The PAP won the 1959 election, leading to Singapore's independence from British control. One of the PAP's major successes was creating the Housing Development Board (HDB), which helped poor Singaporeans move from the streets to clean and modern apartments.
After World War II, Singapore had political instability and social unrest. It gained partial self-governance in 1959, with Lee Kuan Yew becoming its first Prime Minister. In 1963, Singapore joined Malaysia but was expelled two years later due to political and ethnic tensions, leading to full independence on August 9, 1965.
Facing serious economic problems and lacking natural resources, Singapore started a program of industrialization and economic reform under Lee Kuan Yew's leadership. The government focused on creating a strong, corruption-free administration and investing in education, housing, and infrastructure. These efforts transformed Singapore into a global financial hub, known for its efficient government, advanced technology, and high standard of living.
