Timeline of Singapore

Chronology

18 events spanning the history of Singapore. BCE/CE dating.

1. 1201 BCE – 1300

   Century Sang Nila Utama renames the island Singa Pura.

   Century Sang Nila Utama renames the island Singa Pura.

2. 1819

   Sir Stamford Raffles of British East India Company establishes trading post on Singapore island.

   Sir Stamford Raffles of British East India Company establishes trading post on Singapore island.

3. 1826

   Singapore, Malacca and Penang become British colony of the Straits Settlements.

   Singapore, Malacca and Penang become British colony of the Straits Settlements.

4. 1832

   Singapore becomes capital of Straits Settlements.

   Singapore becomes capital of Straits Settlements. The port attracts thousands of migrants from China, India and other parts of Asia.

5. 1867

   Straits Settlements become crown colony of British Empire.

   Straits Settlements become crown colony of British Empire.

6. 1869

   Suez Canal opens, trade booms.

   Suez Canal opens, trade booms.

7. 1941

   World War II. Japan bombs Singapore.

   World War II. Japan bombs Singapore.

8. 1942 – 1945

   World War II. Japan bombs Singapore.

   British surrender and the Japanese Occupation. Singapore falls to Japan, which renames it Syonan (Light of the South).

9. 1945

   Japan defeated. Singapore under British military administration.

   Japan defeated. Singapore under British military administration.

10. 1946

    Singapore becomes separate crown colony.

    Singapore becomes separate crown colony.