When Constance Mary Turnbull's A History of Singapore 1819-1975 appeared in 1977, it quickly achieved recognition as the definitive history of Singapore. A second edition published in 1989 brought the story up to the elections held in 1988. In the fully revised edition, rewritten to take into account recent scholarship on Singapore, the author added a chapter on Goh Chok Tong's premiership (1990-2004) and the transition to a government headed by Lee Hsien Loong. The book now ended in 2005, when the Republic of Singapore celebrated its 40th anniversary as an independent nation.
Major changes occurred in the 1990s as the generation of leaders that oversaw the transition from a colony to independence stepped aside in favour of a younger generation of leaders. Their task was to shape a course that sustained the economic growth and social stability achieved by their predecessors, and they would be tested towards the end of the decade when Southeast Asia experienced a severe financial crisis. Many modern studies on Singapore focus on current affairs or very recent events and pay a great deal of attention to Singapore's successful transition from the developing to the developed world. However, younger historians are increasingly interested in other aspects of the country's past, particularly social and cultural issues. A History of Modern Singapore 1819-2005 provides a solid foundation and an overarching framework for this research, surveying Singapore's trajectory from a small British port to a major trading and financial hub within the British Empire and finally to the modern city state that Singapore became after gaining independence in 1965.
Publication Year: 2009
488 pages, 257mm x 157mm
ISBN: 978-9971-69-343-5, Paperback
ISBN: 978-9971-69-430-2, Hardback
NUS Press
Contents[]
- Chapter 1: The Founding of Singapore, 1819-1826
- Chapter 2: The Straits Settlements, 1826-1867
- Chapter 3: Crown Colony, 1867-1914
- Chapter 4: The Inter-War Years, 1914-1941
- Chapter 5: The Japanese Occupation, 1942-1945
- Chapter 6: The Road to Merger, 1945-1963
- Chapter 7: Malaysia and Separation, 1963-1965
- Chapter 8: The Republic of Singapore, 1965-1975
Review[]
The book is a comprehensive and authoritative account of Singapore’s transformation from a British colony to a modern city-state. The author, Constance Mary Turnbull, was a renowned historian who had lived and taught in Singapore and Malaysia for many years. She had access to a wealth of primary and secondary sources, and she presented a balanced and nuanced perspective on the political, economic, social and cultural aspects of Singapore’s history.
The book covers the period from the founding of Singapore by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819 to the 40th anniversary of its independence in 2005. It traces the development of Singapore under British rule, the Japanese occupation, the post-war decolonisation, the merger and separation from Malaysia, and the emergence of the People’s Action Party as the dominant political force. It also examines the challenges and achievements of Singapore’s first three prime ministers: Lee Kuan Yew, Goh Chok Tong and Lee Hsien Loong.
The book is well-written and engaging, with clear explanations and vivid descriptions. It is also richly illustrated with maps, photographs and tables. The book is suitable for both general readers and students who want to learn more about Singapore’s past and present. It is widely regarded as the definitive history of Singapore, and it has been updated several times to reflect new research and events.
The book is not without its limitations, however. Some critics have pointed out that the book focuses too much on the political and economic history of Singapore, and neglects other aspects such as culture, religion, gender and ethnicity. Some have also argued that the book is too favourable to the ruling party and its policies, and does not give enough voice to alternative views or dissenting opinions. Furthermore, some have suggested that the book is outdated and does not adequately address the current issues and challenges facing Singapore in the 21st century.
Despite these criticisms, the book remains a valuable and influential work that has shaped the understanding of many generations of Singaporeans and foreigners alike. It is a testament to the author’s passion and expertise in writing about Singapore’s history. It is a book that deserves to be read and appreciated by anyone who is interested in Singapore.
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Acknowledgements[]
This article was written by Roy Tan.