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The Singapore history can be dated back to the beginning of 3rd century when the island was a part of the Chinese account. Located at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore history states that the island began gaining importance mainly from the 14th century.
Srivijayan prince Parameswara ruled the island till 1613, when he was defeated by the Portuguese invaders. The period under the rule of Parameswara is considered as the early history of Singapore.
Singapore was an important place for trade due to its very strategic location. With the rising growth of the spice trading, Singapore soon became a point of interest for the British and Dutch traders. In 1819, a British port was established in Singapore by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles that marks the beginning of the modern Singapore history.
In the following years Singapore became an important trade point for the English and other European traders. In 1824 the island was surrendered by the Sultan to the East India Company. Within the next two years, in 1826, Singapore along with Malacca and Penang were made to form the Straits Settlements.
During this period Singapore gained immense importance as a center of trade between India and China under the British imperialism. The Straits Settlements were dissolved in 1946, followed by which the island was declared as a Crown colony of Britain.
By early 1942, Japanese started occupying parts of Singapore. By the end of world war in 1945, the island was conquered and came under the rule of the Japanese Empire. There was major social unrest observed within few years. Finally Singapore was declared as an independent sovereign republic on August 9th, 1965.
The Singapore history establishes the fact that the island has been successful in becoming one of the most trading and shipping centers of the world today.
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