The island of Singapore was originally inhabited by pirates and fishermen. The Japanese Empire invaded and occupied Singapore during the Second World War from 1942 to 1945. Once the Japanese forces surrendered, British control was established yet again, which led to the merger between Singapore and the Federation of Malaya, thereby causing Malaysia to form in 1963.

Singapore, however, was expelled from Malaysia due to the racial tensions, social unrest, and political problems that took place between Malaysia’s Alliance Party and the People’s Action Party (PAP) of Singapore. Hence, it led to the creation of Singapore as an independent republic in August of 1965.