Singapore's Political History 1955-1965

In 1955, Singapore experienced its first elected legislature with David Marshall as Chief Minister. However, he resigned after failing to secure independence from the British. In 1959, Lee Kuan Yew led the People's Action Party (PAP) to victory, achieving self-government with limited British control. The proposal for Malaysia's formation in 1961 led to a political split within the PAP, resulting in the creation of the Barisan Sosialis. This division also affected trade unions, leading to a fierce political battle in Singapore.

Who became Singapore's first Chief Minister in 1955?

• Tunku Abdul Rahman

• Lim Chin Siong

• David Marshall

• Lee Kuan Yew

What was the outcome of the 1959 elections in Singapore?

• The Labor Front won the majority

• The People's Action Party won the majority

• Singapore gained full independence

• The British retained control over all affairs

Who led the People's Action Party during the 1959 elections?

• Lee Kuan Yew

• Tunku Abdul Rahman

• David Marshall

• Lim Chin Siong

What was the main responsibility of the British after granting self-government to Singapore?

• Trade and commerce

• Foreign affairs and defense

• Internal security

• Education and healthcare

What was the condition set by Lee Kuan Yew before taking office?

• The support of the British government

• The dissolution of the Labor Front

• The formation of Malaysia

• The release of eight left-wing PAP leaders

What event triggered the split within the PAP in 1961?

• The British granting self-government

• The formation of the Labor Front

• The proposal for the formation of Malaysia

• The release of PAP leaders from prison

Which new party was formed by the breakaway group from the PAP?

• Labor Front

• National Trades Union Congress

• People's Action Party

• Barisan Sosialis

What was the main cause of the trade union split in Singapore?

• The British retaining control over defense

• The split within the PAP

• The 1959 elections

• The formation of Malaysia

Which organization supported the Barisan Sosialis after the split?

• People's Action Party

• Singapore Association of Trade Unions

• National Trades Union Congress

• Labor Front

What was the main focus of the political battle between Barisan and PAP?

• Formation of Malaysia

• Hearts and minds of Singaporeans

• Control over trade unions

• British support