How Did Singapore Become So Rich?

How Colonial Singapore got to be so Chinese

How Tiny Singapore Became a Petro-Giant

Singapore's history as a significant trading settlement traces back to the 14th century, even though its modern founding is credited to the early 19th century. The last ruler of the Kingdom of Singapura, Parameswara, was expelled before establishing Malacca. The island subsequently came under the influence of the <a href="https://history-maps.com/story/History-of-Malaysia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Malacca Sultanate</a> and then the Johor Sultanate. The pivotal moment for Singapore came in 1819 when <a href="https://history-maps.com/story/History-of-England" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">British</a> statesman Stamford Raffles negotiated a treaty with Johor, leading to the creation of the Crown colony of Singapore in 1867. Singapore's strategic location, natural harbour, and status as a free port contributed to its rise.[1] During <a href="https://history-maps.com/story/World-War-II" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">World War II</a>, the <a href="https://history-maps.com/story/History-of-Japan" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Japanese Empire</a> occupied Singapore from 1942 to 1945. Post-war, the island returned to British rule, gradually attaining more self-governance. This culminated in Singapore joining the Federation of Malaya to become part of Malaysia in 1963. However, due to a myriad of issues including racial tensions and political disagreements, Singapore was expelled from Malaysia, gaining independence as a republic on 9 August 1965. By the close of the 20th century, Singapore had transformed into one of the globe's most affluent nations. Its free market economy, bolstered by robust international trade, propelled it to have Asia's highest per capita GDP and the world's 7th highest.[2] Furthermore, Singapore holds the 9th position on the UN Human Development Index, underscoring its remarkable development and prosperity.[3]

Visual Timelines

History of Singapore Timeline

History of Singapore Timeline

Empires and Kingdoms

Kingdom of Singapura

Fall of Singapura

British Colonial Era and Founding

Founding of Modern Singapore

Early Growth

Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824

Singapore becomes a Strait Settlement

Crown Colony

Chinese Protectorate

Tongmenghui

1915 Singapore Mutiny

Gibraltar of the East

Japanese Occupation and Post-War Period

Japanese Occupation of Singapore

Battle of Singapore

Post-War Singapore

Lee Kuan Yew

Merger with Malaysia and Independence

Singapore in Malaysia

1964 Race Riots in Singapore

Modern Singapore

Expulsion of Singapore from Malaysia

Republic of Singapore

Housing and Development Board

Port, Petroleum, and Progress: Singapore's Economic Reforms

Independent Defence Force

From Changi to MRT

Singapore in the 21st Century

Death of Lee Kuan Yew

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