History Of Singapore 新加坡的歷史 Part 3 (Discovery Channel )

Summary

The video explores the transformation of Singapore under Raffles' vision in the early 19th century, emphasizing his desire to establish a modern, efficient port based on free trade principles. Despite the chaotic environment of crime and disorder, Raffles implemented a structured urban plan that laid the foundation for Singapore's growth. The narrative highlights the paradox of free trade generating wealth while failing to fund public services, leading to the East India Company's reliance on vice, such as opium sales, to raise revenue. Ultimately, the video questions whether Raffles' belief in free trade alone could create the prosperous city he envisioned.

Takeaways

• 🏴‍☠️ Raffles returned to Singapore in 1822, finding it chaotic and ungoverned, with rampant crime and disorder.
• 🚓 The police force was minimal and often targeted by criminals, leading to a perception of lawlessness.
• 📜 Raffles aimed to transform Singapore into a modern, rational settlement inspired by Enlightenment ideals of science and arts.
• 🏙️ He designed a blueprint for Singapore with a grid layout, distinct ethnic areas, and specific architectural styles.
• 🌊 The Singapore River was envisioned as the central trade artery, crucial for commerce and transportation.
• 🏭 The commercial center was planned on a swampy area, which later became the site of modern skyscrapers.
• 💰 Raffles believed in the transformative power of free trade to make Singapore prosperous and successful.
• 📈 By the 1850s, free trade had attracted a diverse international community of wealthy traders and merchants.
• 🏴‍☠️ Local traders, particularly Chinese, Arabs, and Indians, thrived in the absence of taxes and government interference.
• 💸 The East India Company struggled financially despite the wealth generated by private merchants, leading to reliance on vice for revenue.

Q & A

What was Raffles' initial impression of Singapore upon his return in 1822?

Raffles was shocked by the chaotic state of Singapore, which he felt did not meet the standards of an English colonial trade port. He was particularly disturbed by the rampant crime and the poor management of the settlement.

How did Raffles envision the future of Singapore?

Raffles aimed to transform Singapore into a modern city influenced by Enlightenment ideals, promoting order, reason, and progress through a well-planned urban layout, which included a grid structure of roads and designated ethnic areas.

What specific architectural style did Raffles mandate for Singapore?

Raffles specified a uniform architectural style featuring continuous arcades known as the 'Singapore 5ft Way,' which would provide shelter from the sun and rain.

What was the significance of the Singapore River in Raffles' plan?

The Singapore River was envisioned as the central artery for trade, serving as a focal point for mercantile establishments and facilitating the flow of goods into the town.

How did Raffles' policies impact the economic development of Singapore?

Raffles believed in the magical quality of free trade, which he thought would boost Singapore's economy. By the 1850s, Singapore had become a bustling port with an international community of traders, though this prosperity did not translate into government revenue.

What challenges did the East India Company face regarding Singapore?

The East India Company struggled financially, particularly after the collapse of the lucrative Chinese tea trade. They viewed Singapore as a burden since the private merchants were profiting, but the company itself was not benefiting financially.

Why did free trade generate little revenue for the Singapore government?

Despite the wealth generated through trade, the government did not impose import taxes, income tax, or company taxes, leading to insufficient funds for public services and infrastructure.

How did the East India Company attempt to raise revenue despite their financial troubles?

The company sought to generate revenue by legalizing and auctioning off the rights to supply opium, creating a system where the highest bidder could sell the drug without restrictions.

What was the public's reaction to the policies implemented by Raffles?

While Raffles' vision was ambitious, there was dissatisfaction among the community regarding the lack of resources for public services like a proper police force, which was underfunded due to the absence of tax revenue.

How did Raffles view the role of free trade in Singapore's future?

Raffles saw free trade as a transformative force that could help develop Singapore into a prosperous city, although the realities of governance and the need for revenue posed significant challenges.