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Malaya. Layout. Part of the British Empire since 1826 Malaya consisted of 12 separate states. Malaya different from most other colonies Population was ethnically diverse Native Malay Chinese Indian Europeans
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Layout Part of the British Empire since 1826 Malaya consisted of 12 separate states
Malaya different from most other colonies • Population was ethnically diverse • Native Malay • Chinese • Indian • Europeans Malaya's complex population structure and layout would cause problems in the future
Japanese Occupation 1942-1945 Malaya People’s Anti-Japanese Army was formed guerrilla resistance movement/force the Mostly ethnic Chinese (Malayan Communist Party) These forces were trained by Britain-equipment and materials were given to help fight the Japanese WW2
Malaya's raw materials Britain reluctant to grant Malaya independence *Economically Malaya was valuable to Britain –Particularly after WW2 -Malaya was one of Britain’s most important colonies Malaya had vital raw materials -Tin -Rubber Malaya was the worlds largest producer of Tin and rubber
These raw materials were valuable to Britain -They could use them the pay off their war debts to the USA Singapore –Regarded as a vital strategic area for Britain in the Far east
Political Movement • Native Malay population resent ‘Malayan Union’ • Set up United Malay National Organisation • Opposed the growing influence of Chinese population • Would push for independence- Malay people to dominate
Problems! • British ‘Union of Malaya caused economic problems this led to • Food Shortages • Inflation • Low Wages • Unemployment Chinese population in big cities worse hit • Considerable labour unrest- large number of strikes between 1946-1948 • Protesters were dealt harshly by Britain
Chin Peng becomes leader of the Malayan Communist party in 1948 and rearms Militant group wanted communist takeover of Malaya June 1948 three European plantation managers were Killed in Perak As a result Britain declared a ‘state of emergency’ in this area- within months this was extended to the whole of Malaya
The Malayan Emergency 1948-1960 -Britain declared a State of Emergency -MPLA gained the support of some of the Chinese population -Cold War- Britain would oppose any decolonisation that might lead to a pro-communist influence Britain had to protect its commercial interests in the region Britain sent troops to stop uprising –Marshall Law was imposed
Under the measures of the emergency the Communist party was outlawed Police were given the power to arrest and imprison any communists and anyone suspected of been a member without trial The MCP led by Chin Peng retreated into the rural areas (jungle) of Malaya and formed the Malayan National Liberation Army (MNLA) The MNLA began a guerrilla campaign targeting many colonial resources- Tin mines and Rubber plantations They also sabotaged instillations, and destroyed transportation and infrastructure The Malayan Emergency
Briggs Plan • Read the sheet- What was the British reaction to the communist uprising in Malaya in the Malayan emergency • Answer the questions
One of the key features of the ‘Briggs Plan’ was to win the ‘hearts and minds’ of the native malay and chinese people-this was done by relocating the population into ‘protected villages’ providing clean water, protection, fresh food, shelter and landownership and education
http://www.colonialfilm.org.uk/node/2516 • Life in new villages villages
Britain envisioned giving Malaya independence as soon as Malayan Emergency was over • Gerald Templar ‘The Emergency was the may impediment to the acceleration of decolonisation • 1953, Chinese, Malay and Indian communities formed two groups • Alliance Party, United Malay’s National Organisation • Unity amongst the ethnic groups had neutralised the communist threat in the region –Stability was restored • 1957 Malaya was admitted into the Commonwealth and became independent –Britain retained her influence in the region • High Commissioner of Malaya • Wants a united malaya and favours ethnic groups working together • 1953, Chinese, Malay and Indian communities formed two groups • Alliance Party, United Malay’s National Organisation • Unity amongst the ethnic groups had neutralised the communist threat in the region –Stability was restored • 1957 Malaya was admitted into the Commonwealth and became independent –Britain retained her influence in the region n
Road to Independence I am very determined to strive for self-government and Independence as soon as possible by constitutional means. Others have been obliged to fight the colonial power before they achieved their freedom and this will not be necessary in Malaya. The Malayan Emergency continues to obstruct progress and swallow up funds that should be used for development and I will try my best to end the Emergency through a fresh initiative • Tunku Abul Rahman becomes leader of UMNO • Malayan Communist Association Party • Both parties agree to alliance in 1953 • Templar –elections in Malaya in 1954- Rahman elected as ‘Leglative Council Leader
Rahman- Amnesty offered to communist guerrilla fighters • 1956 Baling Talks- Both groups met to discuss ending the Malayan Emergency.-However Agreement not reached. • However Britain agreed to formally grant Malaya Independence (to undermine communist guerrillas) • 31st August 1957 Malaya becomes independent and joins the Commonwealth of Nations. • Tunku Abdul Rahman is elected as Malaya's first president • Malayan Emergency continues until 1960
Task • Malaya Fact File • Post on Malayan Emergency
