History - Temasek as a trading port
Conquerer
Conquered relationship
What is an overlord?
A stronger country
Vassal country
A weaker country
What are the 4 'R's?
- Rest - Repair - Replenish - Refuge
Which three trading ports were under British rule? (1824)
- Temasek - Melaka - Penang
Identify three spices that were exchanged between traders in Temasek before the 19th century.
Cinnamon, cardamon, cloves, ginger, pepper turmeric, nutmeg, chilli (Choose 3)
Why was Temasek chosen as the third trading port?
It was located strategically at the tip of the Malay Peninsula. Temasek provided easy access to the Malay Archipelago and was only a few miles from the main sea route through the Straits of Melaka to China. So the traders in Singapore could easily go to the Malay Archipelago or the Straits of Melaka to trade. This made it easier for traders to travel and made Singapore an attractive entrepot to them. Thus, Singapore was in a lucrative place for trading and the British decided to establish a settlement in Singapore.
Explain one reason why Temasek rose to importance as a trading port in the 13th to the 14th century and one reason why it declined in the 15th century.
Temasek had a diversity of goods. Served as a regional centre. Rich hinterland. Variety (traders were attracted to Temasek) of trade, increasing Temasek's trade and profits for the trading port, leading to Temasek's rise as a trading port. (section 4 of textbook; Diversity of goods/entrepot trade route, monsoon winds/middlemen, fall of Srivijaya, good leadership of SNU.)
Explain one reason why Temasek rose to importance as a trading port in the 13th to the 14th century and one reason why it declined in the 15th century. (Pt. 2)
Temasek's decline as a trading port during the 15th century was because of the rise of the newly established port city of Melaka. As Parameswara, the Sultan of Melaka pledged loyalty to the Ming Emperor, Melaka then became the main port of call for the imperial Ming navy whenever it passed through the Straits of Melaka. This resulted in other Asian traders going to Melaka to trade, especially if they wanted to buy Chinese goods. Temasek continued to serve as a port during Melaka's rise as a trading port. However, it was not as popular with traders as Melaka. As a result, fewer traders came to Temasek, trade declined and Temasek declined along with it. [Rise of Melaka: (Decline of Temasek)]
What is another reason that Singapore was deemed as a suitable trading port?
This is because Singapore was a suitable place for traders to rest and replenish. There was an abundance of drinking water, and the river mouth formed a natural sheltered harbour. Thus, Singapore was a suitable docking place for traders to come and trade and rest. The river mouth which sheltered the harbour protected the traders and their good from the harsh tropical weather. The abundance in drinking water allowed the traders to replenish and have clean water to drink and rest. Thus, since more traders would want to dock in Singapore, the British decided to establish an entrepot in Singapore.
Why did traders trade through Singapore/Temasek?
This is because Singapore was used as a middleman. The reason is because of the different directions of the monsoon winds. Traders from China and India would come to Singapore during different monsoon seasons so they did not meet. Thus, Temasek acted as a middleman and traded goods from India and China.
