Singapore Secondary 1 History Syllabus - G2

This syllabus covers the period from Singapore's early history to the late 1970s, focusing on its connections to the world, development under British rule, struggle for independence, and survival as a nation-state. It aims to equip students with historical knowledge, skills, and values to understand the present and contribute as active citizens.

Unit 1: From Temasek to Singapore (1299-Early 1800s)

This unit explores Singapore's early history as a trading port, its connections with major trading networks in Southeast Asia, and its eventual establishment as a British trading post. Key topics include:

• Early Singapore within key trading networks: This covers an overview of key trading networks, the reasons for early Singapore's rise as a port-of-call (geographical advantages and the fall of Srivijaya), and its subsequent decline with the rise of Melaka and its continued importance under Portuguese and Dutch rule.
• Singapore's establishment as a British trading post: This examines Anglo-Dutch rivalry and the factors leading to Singapore becoming a British trading post.

Unit 2: Singapore's Development as a Port City Under the British (1819-1942)

This unit examines Singapore's transformation under British rule, focusing on the impact of governance, the roles of different communities, and the development of trade and industries. It concludes with the outbreak of World War II and the fall of Singapore. Key topics include:

• Singapore's development as a port-city: This covers the impact of British rule (shift from EIC settlement to Crown Colony, law and order, economic and social policies), the role of different communities (reasons for migration, social and economic impact), and the development of trade and industries (impact of events like the opening of the Suez Canal, development of rubber and tin industries, and the Great Depression).
• Outbreak of World War II and the Fall of Singapore: This examines the rising ambitions of Germany and Japan, British responses, Singapore's strategic importance, and the events leading to the fall of Singapore, including Japanese and British military strategies.

Unit 3: Singapore's Struggle for Independence (1942-1965)

This unit traces Singapore's journey towards independence, from the Japanese Occupation to its separation from Malaysia. Key topics include:

• People's experiences during the Japanese Occupation: This explores the themes of repression and resistance, and economic hardships and resilience.
• Progress towards Self-Government: This covers the impact of post-war global and regional developments (decline of colonial powers, rivalry between the USA and USSR, emergence of Communist China), British plans for post-war Singapore (economic recovery, political participation, political and social unrest), and political developments from 1955 to 1959 (Rendel Constitution, elections, Merdeka Talks).
• Merger and Separation: This examines the reasons for and opposition to the merger with Malaya, and the subsequent reasons for Singapore's separation from Malaysia.

Unit 4: Surviving as an Independent Nation-State (1965-Late 1970s)

This unit focuses on the challenges and opportunities faced by newly independent Singapore, and how it addressed them to build a sense of national identity. Key topics include:

• Safeguarding the sovereignty of Singapore: This covers developments that threatened Singapore's security (regional tensions, British military withdrawal), the establishment of a national defence force (National Service, defence industry), and strengthening diplomatic relations.
• Transformation of people's lives: This examines the uncertainty surrounding Singapore's survival (economic and social concerns), meeting the needs of the people (economic diversification, housing, education, healthcare), and the impact of policies on people's lives (standard of living, national identity).

Historical Investigation

Students are required to undertake one Historical Investigation per year, choosing from two strands: "Communities and Experiences" and "Science and Technology in Society". These investigations allow students to deepen their understanding of specific areas within Units 2, 3, and 4, applying historical inquiry skills and developing 21st Century Competencies. Example topics include the contributions of migrants, life in independent Singapore, the impact of technological developments, and the transformation of Singapore's physical landscape.