After 1826 the Straits Settlements (Penang, Melaka, Singapore) were ruled by the English East India Company from far-away India (Bengal). The merchants of the ports were unhappy: their needs were ignored, decisions were slow, and rules made for India did not suit their trade.
Becoming a Crown Colony
Because of this dissatisfaction, in 1867 the Straits Settlements were transferred to the direct control of the Colonial Office in London and became a Crown Colony. This gave the ports a government that paid closer attention to their trade.
Key idea
Before 1867: ruled by the East India Company from India. After 1867: a Crown Colony under the Colonial Office, London.
How it was governed
The head of the Straits Settlements was the Governor, based in Singapore. Each settlement was managed by a Resident Councillor. The Governor was helped by two councils:
- the Executive Council, which advised on running the colony;
- the Legislative Council, which made laws.
Under this Crown Colony government the ports remained free ports with low taxes, which kept trade booming. The Straits Settlements government also became the base from which Britain watched over the neighbouring Malay states and, step by step, extended its influence into them during the later 19th century.
Remember
- Crown Colony from 1867, under the Colonial Office.
- Head = Governor in Singapore; each port had a Resident Councillor.
- Councils: Executive (advice) and Legislative (laws).