Anti-National Service Riots Flashcards
(20 cards)
What were the Anti-National Service Riots of 1954?
The Anti-National Service Riots of 1954 were an expression of anti-colonial feelings in Singapore.
What was the purpose of the National Service Ordinance passed in 1953?
The National Service Ordinance required all males aged between 18 and 20 to register for National Service by May 1954.
What were the consequences for failing to register for National Service?
Those who failed to register would be jailed or fined.
Why were secondary students from Chinese-medium schools unhappy about the National Service?
They felt that registering would disrupt their studies again and believed the British discriminated against Chinese education.
What event occurred on 13 May 1954?
About 500 students held a protest march against the National Service announcement.
What was the outcome of the protest on 13 May 1954?
The protest turned violent, resulting in clashes with riot police and leaving 26 injured.
What action did the British take following the protest?
The British ordered the closure of all Chinese-medium schools across Singapore.
What happened on 22 May 1954 at Chung Cheng High School?
Thousands of students locked themselves in classrooms, sang songs, held lessons, and went on a hunger strike.
What was the result of the protests regarding National Service registration?
The British government decided to postpone the registration for National Service.
How did the protests affect Chinese-educated students?
The protests boosted their morale, encouraged political activism, and led to the formation of the Singapore Chinese Middle School Students’ Union (SCMSSU).
What was the allocation of the government’s education budget in 1950?
In 1950, 80% of the government’s education budget went to English-medium schools while only 6% was allocated to Chinese-medium schools.
What is a demonstration?
A demonstration refers to a public display of feelings by a group or groups of people towards a person, event, or cause.
What was one reason for the outbreak of Anti-National Service Riots in 1954?
Disruption of Studies: Many secondary students from Chinese-medium schools were old enough to qualify for National Service, as WWII had disrupted their education. Registration for NS = another disruption to studies.
What was another reason for the Anti-National Service Riots?
British Discrimination against Chinese education: The British favored English-medium schools and provided little support to Chinese-medium schools.
Who funded Chinese-medium schools?
Chinese-medium schools were largely set up and funded by Chinese philanthropists (businessmen).
Why did Chinese students not want to fight for the British government?
Chinese students did not want to fight for a foreign government that did not support them.
What did locals think about the British?
Locals thought the British were being unjust and unfair.
What did the riots express?
Riots expressed anti-colonial sentiments.
How did the use of violence affect anti-colonial sentiments?
The use of violence strengthened anti-colonial sentiments.
What was the result of increased anti-colonial sentiments?
There was an increased desire for independence.
