Sec 1 History: Suez Canal & Great Depression (Chapter 3 Structured Questions)
Part (a)
Identify three ways workers in Singapore were affected by the Great Depression. [3m]
Show model answer — Part (a)
Many workers lost their jobs when businesses closed.
Some workers had their wages reduced.
Many migrant workers returned to their home countries.
Part (b)
Describe two changes to shipping journeys and activities at Singapore's port following the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. [7m]
Show model answer — Part (b)
Point: Ships travelling between Europe and Singapore used a shorter route.
Elaboration: Before the canal opened, they sailed around the Cape of Good Hope. They could now pass through the Suez Canal instead. Journey times between Europe and Singapore fell from about 120 days to around 50 days.
Point: Singapore's port handled more steamships requiring coal and other supplies.
Elaboration: Steamship use increased after the canal opened. More vessels stopped at Singapore to take on coal and food before continuing their journeys, and supplying coal to these ships became an important activity at the port.
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Daily Practice Question from The Urban Historian — Singapore History & Social Studies tuition for Sec 1–4. Set on 20 October 2026.
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