The document summarizes the British defense of Singapore and the reasons for its fall to the Japanese in 1942. It discusses the British strategy of using Singapore as a naval base protected by coastal guns. However, the British were unprepared for jungle warfare and lacked tanks and aircraft. In contrast, the Japanese were well-trained and equipped for jungle combat. The document also outlines the political, economic, and social impacts of Japanese occupation, including rationing, inflation, and efforts to promote Japanese culture in Singapore.

2. British’s defense system in Singapore Reasons for the fall of Singapore Life under Japanese Political Economic Social Post-war Singapore Problems and solutions

3. War in Europe Started when Germany invaded Poland. France declared war on Germany. Britain also joined in the war. The alliance system in Europe pulled the rest of Europe into the war. Main Axis powers: Germany, Italy, Japan Main Allies powers: Britain, France, USSR, USA

7. War in Asia Japan was already in a war with China (started in 1937) When Japan bombed Pearl Harbour (1941), USA and Britain declared war on Japan

9. ‘ Main fleet to Singapore strategy’ 15-inch guns mounted on ships and faced the sea to prevent any attacks from the sea Building of military airfields and underground bunkers Naval base built in Sembawang

11. The geography of Malaya is a factor in its defence. The coastal plains are about fifteen miles in width and filled with mangrove swamps. The mountain range which runs from north to south is covered with dense jungle and vast areas which are almost unknown. Roads are few and heavily guarded, so that an invading army would be at the Mercy of defenders securely hidden in the jungle. Quoted in The Japanese Occupation of Malaya 1941-1945 by Paul H Kratoska (textbook pg 99)

12. Singapore: An impregnable fortress

14. 4-6 people in a group Use the sources given to find out about the reasons for the fall of Singapore. Fill in the worksheet using information you have found from the sources. State the source used each piece of information that you have. (Hint: one source can be used many times for many categories) 20mins to complete Some groups will be asked to share their answers

15. The desired Malayan (British) air force, strength of 300 to 500 aircraft, was never reached. While the Japanese invaded with over two hundred tanks, the British Army in Malaya did not have a single one.

16. The desired Malayan (British) air force, strength of 300 to 500 aircraft, was never reached . While the Japanese invaded with over two hundred tanks , the British Army in Malaya did not have a single one .

17. Factors Japanese British Priority to conquer countries in SEA for raw materials clear objectives of conquering Singapore war in Europe was more important Equipment had tanks and modern weapons appropriate transport (bikes) did not have tanks Leadership effective and skilful effective strategies well prepared (had spies) not decisive or forceful officers could not agree with one another Troops well-trained in jungle warfare committed and loyal not well-trained in jungle warfare disorganized and complacent

23. Japanese… W eapons were modern I ntensive preparations – jungle warfare N ice (good) strategies used S pies sent to Malaya and Singapore British L ack of modern weapons O pinions of generals were different S trategies used was not effective E urope was their main focus, not Asia S oldiers not experienced in jungle warfare

24. Most people did not believe that Singapore would be defeated by the Japanese

25. What changes will you make, as a military leader, when you take over an enemy’s land?

26. Political impact Economic impact Social impact

28. Singapore now belonged to the Japanese Singapore was renamed ‘Syonan-to’, which means the light of the South

30. kempeitai = Japanese military soldiers Used fear to rule Singapore

31. Who were the threats? Why did the Japanese perceive them as threats?

32. Who were the threats? - The Chinese Why did the Japanese perceive them as threats? Japan invaded China in 1937, and was met with strong resistance from the Chinese - The Chinese community in Singapore boycott Japanese goods and contributed to the anti-Japanese war funds for China

33. Night of the Long Katanas (Swords)

34. The Japanese was determined to identify and kill suspected anti-Japanese elements among the Chinese community Chinese men of age 18-50 were brought to interrogation centers to be examined. Suspected men were killed.

36. - S yonan-to instead of Singapore K empeitai used to restore order O peration Sook Ching (removing threats)

37. Rationing There was not enough food during the war, so rationing was introduced. Limited amount of food rationed out  malnutrition Simple diets

38. Black markets Illegal buying and selling of goods Hence, only those who could afford the high prices could buy food that they need

40. Inflation Japanese printed so much banana money, that the currency became useless

41. People were so thin, you could see their… R ationing I nflation B lack markets S tarvation

42. Propaganda To influence the minds of the people in Singapore Controlled the publication of newspapers Controlled the media (radio)

44. Nipponisation Promoted the Japanese culture Taught Japanese language to civil servants Schools were platforms to spread the Japanese culture

45. P ropaganda N ipponisation

48. Lack of food Overcrowded living conditions L ack of health services H igh unemployment rate P oor sanitation

49. To solve the food shortage… Cleared the harbour to enable ships transporting foodstuffs to enter the port Removed shipwrecks and mines Docks were repaired and new warehouses were constructed to store commodities that were brought into the port. Rationing was introduced People’s Restaurants were opened to sell food at reasonable prices

53. A law on rent control was introduced (to prevent rents from increasing) Construction of flats for the people (however, these solutions were not very successful

54. British defense of Singapore Reasons for the fall of Singapore British’s weaknesses Japanese’s strengths Japanese Occupation Political Economic Social Post-war Singapore