Notes for SEQ by themes

Dear all - please refer to the humanities portal for the newly uploaded notes based on themes. https://serangoonsechumanities.pbworks.com/

Please refer to the forum in asknlearn for your password if you have forgotten them. Your elective teacher would have given the password to you.

Useful pointers for answering Source-based Questions

Inference:
The cartoonist/photographer is trying to convey the message that ……………….. as evident from Source A showing that ……………………….

Words you can use for Tones:
Positive: personal, friendly, positive, celebratory, happy, warm, encouraging, neutral, etc, official/formal, threatening, hostile

Negative: Tense, negative, embittered, sad, cold, unfeeling, angry, harsh, biased, vindictive, authoritative, arrogant, disapproving etc

Words you can use for Purpose:

Encourage, influence, persuade, convince, appeal or instigate its readers to do something e.g to agree with his views or take up certain action

To promote something/to seek support for something
Evoke emotional response, e.g. to arouse anger, to gain sympathy, to ridicule.


Reliability:
Source C states/shows that ‘……(inference)……………..’ This is supported by”…evidence)…”..

But this is not supported by Source B which says that …. (inference)…… . This is evident in “ ………(evident)…” So Source A is not reliable.

This is confirmed by …………….. shown in Source B. This is evident in “….”

As mentioned in Source C “…………………………”. This is again reflected in Source B “ ………………” which tells us that ……………

However, Source B is limited in supporting the claim that “ ………….” as …………

The Source implies that …………... However, this is very subjective as can be seen from the background information. Though ………………….., there are other possibilities.

NOTE:
1. DO not say that the whole thing is not reliable.
2. Cross reference with another source or what I have learned/studied. I know that the …….. as the … (evidence)…. so source A is not reliable.
Identify the statement that you want to validate (prove its reliability)

Comparison
Both differ in …...(topic e.g. why, how, impact)……..
Source A says that …….., which can be seen in the words “……”
However Source B says ……… This is supported by “…………”

NOTE:1. Do not simply write Source A says…. And Source B says …….,( you are not comparing if you write them separately)

2. When you compare, there must be a topic – e.g. when you compare 2 pens – you can compare the ink, one is red and other blue or you can compare the origin, one is made in Singapore and the other in Taiwan. You are not comparing them if you merely say that one is a blue ink pen from Singapore and the other is a red ink pen from Taiwan.

3. If the question ask for how different – give 2 differences and a similarities, if the question ask for how similar – give 2 similarities and a difference.

Usefulness:
The sources on the whole are useful in helping us understand ……….. However it is limited in showing us…….
The source only provides …..’s view of the cause of ………………. This we can see from the cartoon/photograph which shows ……………..

It, however, fails to show that the ………………….. which is shown in the background information, “…………………………………………………”

Though the source is biased, it is still useful for us. It tells us how the …………… view ………………...

Source E is an opinion expressed and it could be biased as can be seen when the writer commented ‘ ………………..’
Source D is also an opinion expressed and could be biased and a form of propaganda to convince the people to support the policies implemented.
As Source D and E are personal viewpoints of representative from the government and that of a member of the opposition party respectively, they may be biases in the interest of their own parties.
Source E helps us to see the view of people who might be affected by the …………………. However, as the view is from that of ………………..it might be biased. This can be cross-reference with Source D which is the view of …..………who reassure the public the necessity of government’s ………………………policy.

List of political symbols and meanings

1. Anchor – hope
2. chain- lack of freedom
3. dollar sign – capitalism or wealth
4. dove – peace
5. eagle – freedom
6. game of chess – power struggle
7. hour glass – time
8. lady blindfolded and holds a sword and weighing scales in her hands – justice
9. octopus – greed
10. lamb – obedience
11. ostrich – deliberately deaf to bad news
12. owl – wisdom
13. parrot – one who echoes others
14. puppet – person is strongly influenced by someone else or something
15. rainbow – hope
16. rose – love
17. bear - Russia
18. sausage – bait
19. skeleton – death
20. snake – evil
21. spiked helmet – German
22. star of David – Jewish or Israel
23. throne – power
24. tombstone – death or something which is past
25. turtle – slowness
26. Uncle Sam – USA
27. Yen symbol - Japan
28. Hand appearing from cloud – power of God
29. Hammer & Sickle – Soviet Union or Communism

Globalisation - For and against

As you read about the issues of globalisation, do you think that it brings more good than harm or vice versa? Read about the issues on the following websites and comment below.

BBC online - the debate between Michael Elliot, a passionate believer in the benefits of globalisation, against Colin Hines, author of Localization - A Global Manifesto:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/941031.stm

Find out more about what is globalisation here http://www.globalisationguide.org/

Singaporeans must prevent terrorist attacks from destroying country

Singaporeans must not let any potential terrorist attack destroy the country, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Saturday 18 July 2009 at the racial harmony celebrations held at Cheng San Community Club. Mr Lee said the Republic has not been affected by racial problems in the past 40 years.

Speaking first in Mandarin, he said this is a "small miracle" in today's world. "Racial harmony is a matter of great national importance. We have to cherish it, protect it, strengthen it," he urged. Mr Lee added that maintaining racial harmony is a key priority for the government.

"One of the things we worry about is that there could be a terrorist attack and then as a result, it creates a misunderstanding between the races and trouble will begin," said the prime minister. He pointed out that simulation exercises, like the recently concluded Northstar, are important measures to prevent terrorist attacks.

Mr Lee said Friday's hotel bombings in Jakarta are a reminder of how terrorism remains a constant threat. "We must be prepared for this sort of thing, for them to try this sort of thing on us, and we must be prepared to resist it and prevent it. First, resist it from happening and if despite all our efforts it still happens, prevent it from damaging our society, fracturing our racial harmony," he said.

By Hoe Yeen Nie, Channel NewsAsia Posted: 18 July 2009 2300 hrs

Battle ends in Sri Lanka

Do you think this mark the end of the conflicts in Sri Lanka? Read this article published on Today on 18 May 2009?

Sri Lanka war zone hospital 'hit'

Tamil Tiger rebel and hospital sources said that Sri Lankan government forces have shelled a hospital inside the conflict zone killing at least 45 people, as reported by BBC on 12 May 2009.

However, military sources have suggested that doctors in the zone may be being forced to give statements at gunpoint by rebels. The Sri Lankan military has meanwhile blamed civilian deaths on the Tigers, saying they are using people as human shields.

The UN estimates that about 50,000 civilians are trapped by the conflict, in a three-sq-km strip of land as shown by the map below. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said that he was appalled by the killings and called for an immediate halt to the fighting. Diplomats from the UK, France and Austria said the Security Council should address the crisis, while the US said it was "deeply concerned" by the crisis.

The Tamil Tigers have fought for an independent homeland for Sri Lanka's Tamil minority since 1983. More than 70,000 people have been killed in the war.

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8045135.stm

Look at the map of the conflict zone below:

II UNDERSTANDING GOVERNANCE

Why is governance important?

Traffic Policies
Extracted from the article "COEs, ERP and the questions in between solving the traffic congestion problem will become trickier" from the Straits Times on 5 Sept 2008.

Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong was at a dialogue with Marine Parade residents when he revealed an interesting divide over transport policy. He said Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew was in favour of making car ownership very expensive so that fewer people would own cars hence leading to less congestion on the roads. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, on the other hand, wanted more people to be able to own cars and to control congestion by applying more stringent usage measures like Electronic Road Pricing (ERP).

A growth rate of 3 per cent per year for the car population has been prescribed since COEs were introduced. That growth rate has resulted in the number of cars going up from about 248,000 in 1990 to nearly 540,000 today. In other words, the COE system has not impeded more widespread ownership.

ERP charges were fairly low. Parking charges paled in comparison to those in cities like Tokyo, New York and London. By the early 2000s, it was evident that the roads were becoming congested. Traffic volumes in parts of the city reached saturation levels with increasing frequency.

The new Transport Minister declared a more aggressive approach to the problem. Halving COE growth to 1 and a half per cent a year, from next year, and a widening of the network of ERP gantries, with higher charges all round.

Population Policies

Extracted from the news article "Birth rate up but foreigners needed for range of talent" published on the Straits Times 7 May 2008

SINGAPORE's birth rate crept up slightly to 1.29 last year, up from 1.26 the year before. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said at a dialogue organised by Thomson Reuters that Singapore can try to do better, but the birth rate will never go back up to the replacement level of 2.1 because of the way society has changed and that it's the behaviour in all of the developed countries.

Mr Lee also said that the Government believed that Singapore had to be open to foreigners because it needed to draw on a range of talent and expertise. The Government has introduced incentives such as the 'Baby Bonus' cash payouts for parents and extended maternity leave to encourage couples to have more children. He added that the challenge is to assimilate and integrate newcomers so that they take on Singaporean values and attitudes and their children are born Singaporean.

Report by ZAKIR HUSSAIN


Take a break - http://www.asianjoke.com/Singapore/population.htm

Extracted from "Means testing starts today" CNA Jan 1, 2009 By Salma Khalik

PATIENTS warded in B2 and C class wards in public hospitals from today will be means-tested to determine the level of subsidy they will get. Up till yesterday, B2 and C-class patients got their respective flat subsidy rates. From today, patients in these two ward classes will fall into one of 16 subsidy levels. Those earning $38,400 or less a year will continue getting the full 80 per cent subsidy in C class and 65 per cent in B2 class. People with annual incomes of $62,412 or more will get the minimum subsidy of 65 per cent in C class and 50 per cent in B2 class.

People with no income, such as retirees or housewives, will have their subsidy rate pegged to the value of their homes. If their homes are valued at $11,000 or more, they will get the minimum subsidy. About a fifth of all homes fall into this category. All unemployed residents of HDB flats - excluding those in executive condominiums - will be entitled to full subsidy.

III CONFLICT AND HARMONY IN MULTI-ETHNIC SOCIETIES

Why is harmony in a multi-ethnic society important to the development and viability of a nation?

Updates on Northern Ireland and Sri Lanka conflicts:

Today 16 March 2009:





Today 3 April 2009

IV MANAGING INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Terrorism
Terrorism constitutes the illegitimate use of force to achieve a political objective when innocent people are targeted. ~ Walter Laqueur

Extracted from "A growing terror weapon" fromThe Straits Times March 6, 2009

EXTREMIST groups in South-east Asia are increasingly using the internet and social networking to radicalise the youth of the region, said a new security report released on Friday. Internet usage in South-east Asia has exploded since 2000 and extremist groups have developed a sophisticated online presence, including professional media units. The reports also says that 'For extremist groups in our region, the internet is an increasingly important tool for recruitment to violence,' and that 'Importantly, they aren't attacking only the West, but are drawing on their narrative to attack the governance arrangements of regional states.' Between 2006 and July 2007, radical regional websites have disseminated Al-Qaeda and South-east Asian militant group Jemaah Islamiah propaganda videos, pictures and statements.

What is Transnational Terrorism?

Transnational Terrorism refers to acts of violence which are global in terms of their aims, organization and impact. Terrorists are groups that deliberately use violence to create fear among people in order to fulfil their political objectives.

Impacts of Transnational Terrorism

Economic impact
The impact of transnational terrorism can be economic in nature. When there is a terrorist attack, lives are lost, buildings destroyed and businesses lost. The government has to spend huge amounts of money to rebuild the country and this means that other areas of development in the country will be affected. Moreover, there is loss of earnings for many people involved in the travel and tourism trade as many tourists avoid travelling to a country that has suffered a terrorist attack. This could lead to loss of employment as well as closure of businesses. Terrorist attacks put additional economic strain on the government, which is expected to help individuals adversely affected by terrorist acts.

Social impact
One of the aims of terrorists is to disrupt the daily lives of the people living in the country as well as cause problems for the government. Terrorist acts can adversely affect peaceful relations among the races in multiracial societies. Some consequences of the 11 September terror attacks in the United States were attacks on members of certain ethnic groups. If unchecked, this could have the potential of developing into riots between different ethnic groups. . Such terrorist acts also have the potential to cause certain ethnic groups to feel targeted as they might be singled out for increased security checks or viewed suspiciously by others in the community. This might cause a feeling of alienation as well as happiness among this group of people.

Political impact
Governments have a responsibility to keep their citizens safe from terrorists. As a result, governments have had to tighten various controls such as stepping up border security to ensure that terrorists do not slip into the country. These border security measures involve greater check on travellers’ identities and belongings, slowing down immigration clearance as a result. Intrusive legislations aimed at countering terrorism have also been introduced. Critics argue that these measures and laws infringe on individual freedom and personal privacy. Indeed, the transnational terrorism threat has generated much debate on the trade-off between security and freedom.

What is the most serious impact?
The most detrimental impact to Singapore is the social impact. Although the economic losses caused by terrorist acts can be tremendous, these can be minimised through assistance from the government, international organisations or sympathetic governments. The country will be able to rebuild itself and its economy after some time has passed. The social impact is most detrimental as it results in the loss of human lives, the cost of which is immeasurable to the families involved. No amount of monetary aid will be able to compensate for the loss of lives.

Measures to manage Transnational Terrorism

ASEAN’s effort to manage terrorism
Terrorism is seen as a direct challenge to the achievement of peace, progress and security in ASEAN. As such, ASEAN governments have pledged their determination to cooperate against the transnational terrorists through joint police and intelligence measures.

For example, ASEAN has pledged to enhance information and intelligence exchange on terrorists and terrorist activities. This has helped member countries to disrupt terrorist activities on their soil. In January 2002, the Philippine authorities arrested the JI bomber-maker Fathur Rohman Al-Ghozi based on information provided to them by Singapore. The members also used the ASEAN Regional Forum to discuss transnational terrorism issues. In January 2007, ASEAN leaders signed, The Convention on Counter-terrorism to legally bind their commitment of their national security and law enforcement agencies to work closely to fight the threat together.

International Efforts to Combat terrorism

The UN passed a series of resolutions in a bid to stop terrorism. The resolutions aimed at getting all member countries to freeze the financial assets of terrorists and their supporters, deny them travel and safe haven, prevent terrorist recruitment and weapons supply, and cooperate with other countries in information sharing and criminal prosecution. The UN also set up a Counter-Terrorism Committee to monitor member countries adherence to the resolutions as well as to strengthen the counter-terrorism capacity of UN member states. The committee also provides technical assistance to countries that require help in implementing the resolutions. Member countries have managed to freeze more than US$200 million of terrorist funding. Through the sharing of information among members, more than 4000 terrorist suspects have been arrested.

Nurturing an environment that censures terrorism

All members of society have a role to play in countering the threat of terrorism. Terrorist narratives are typically founded on ideas of hate and enmity. Many of these ideas also glorify the use of violence, and instigate and falsely sanction a person to commit such acts. There must not be any ambiguity in society’s stand against these ideas that fuel terrorism. If a society does not firmly, unequivocally and actively reject these ideas being propagated by terrorists, the ideas may slowly gain legitimacy. Every individual has a role to play to deny the terrorists space in society.


What is the best way to combat terrorism?
Despite regional and international efforts, the international community has not been completely successful in getting rid of the threat of Transnational Terrorism. Today’s terrorism cannot be dealt with just by arresting the terrorist operatives. Terrorists have been able to recruit new operatives to replace those who have been arrested or killed. Terrorist recruitment continues to take place because the terrorists are able to spread extremist and terrorist ideology in a globalizing world where communication technologies like the Internet can be exploited. It is therefore crucial that society play its part to counter such radical and extremist influences by nurturing an environment that censures terrorism. Every individual has a role to play to deny the terrorists space in society.

How important is deterrence and diplomacy in maintaining international relations among nations?

V SUSTAINING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

How do nations sustain their economic development in a globalised world?

Driving forces of globalisation:

Developments in transportation
Improvements in transportation has shrunk the world considerably in terms of time taken to get from one place to another. Containerisation has reduced the time and cost of moving goods over long distances. It has also greatly simplified the transfer of goods from one mode of transportation to another as containers can be easily transferred from ships to trucks. In a globalizing world, there is an increasing mobility of goods and people. Countries have built efficient and integrated transportation infrastructure to facilitate this movement. The efficient transport network worldwide has made it possible for goods to be moved around the world easily. At the same time, it has also meant that people can travel easily.

Developments in communications
Improvement in technology has made communications among people in different locations faster and more convenient. People across the globe can communicate via tools such as telephone, electronic mail, fax and video conferencing. Satellite technology has enabled messages to be transmitted from one location and received in another part of the world almost simultaneously. Similarly, optical fibre systems have very large carrying capacity and transmit information at very high speed. The Internet has greatly transformed the way one communicates, conducts business, obtain information and purchases goods and services. It has enabled consumers to gather information about new products and places.

Transnational corporations
Transnational corporations (TNCs) are large global firms that operate in a number of countries and have production or service facilities outside the country of their origin. This is due to a variety of reasons such as to lower cost of production and to find new markets. These worldwide operations are coordinated and controlled by the headquarters located in the country of origin. As such, the economies around the world became more integrated. There is also increased exchange of ideas among the people based in different countries but are from the same TNCs leading to more globalisation.

Ways to increase Singapore’s competitiveness in a globalizing world

Diversifying the economy
Singapore aims to promote technology-intensive, higher value-added manufacturing activities in the electronics, chemical engineering and engineering fields. In addition, Singapore is venturing into areas like Life Sciences, which involves the study of genetic and development of new medical treatment using gene therapy, new drugs and food products that have been genetically modified, Having vibrant service sectors such as education, healthcare, tourism and banking also plays an important role in increasing Singapore’s competitiveness. Singapore is also being promoted as an education and healthcare hub. Many foreign universities have set up their branches here. At the same time, people in the region are coming to Singapore to seek medical treatment due to our high standards of healthcare. Diversifying the economy ensures that the Singapore economy remains stable in the event of the downturn of one sector of the economy. A stable economy enhances Singapore’s competitiveness in a globalising world.

Ventures abroad through regionalization
Singapore ventures abroad through regionalization, which involves investing in nearby countries that have abundant land, lower labour costs and new markets. The Singapore government and Singapore-based companies aim to provide the infrastructure, expertise and money to develop industrial parts in host countries. In return, the host countries provide land and labour for Singapore companies. Venturing abroad enhances Singapore’s competitiveness as it opens up new markets for trade.

Nurturing growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
Nurturing growth of SMEs promotes Singapore development as these local businesses will be able to generate employment for the country. SMEs play an important role in Singapore’s economy. Today, SMEs make up a large percentage of businesses in the Singapore economy. SMEs also support the operations of Transnational Corporations by supplying them with components in the manufacturing process. The SMEs increase Singapore’s competitiveness as it enhances the attractiveness of Singapore as a regional manufacturing and services hub.

Expanding market reach through economic cooperation
Singapore has a small market due to our small population size. It is necessary for us to establish trade ties with other countries to enable the local companies to sell their goods to a larger market. One way is to sign the Free Trade Agreement or set up Special Economic Zones whereby taxes on goods are removed. This makes it cheaper for the companies to import or export goods, leading to cost saving for the companies as well as encouraging the companies to venture aboard and find new markets. Companies will be able to sell their goods to more countries and increase their profits. Thus ensuring economic growth for the country.

Managing our resources efficiently
Singapore is a small country with limited resources. People are our most precious resource. Hence it is essential to develop our people to have the right mindset and skills to thrive in the globalising world. Our people are encouraged to go for continuous learning to upgrade their skills and stay relevant in the globalising world. The country also promotes entrepreneurs and technoprenuers so that we have people who are willing to take risk and come up with new products to compete with the foreign companies. Our country also actively attracts foreign talent as we have declining birth rate and we need new skills in the knowledge-based economy. These foreign talents will not only bring skills to our companies, they also bring in overseas business contacts as well. Thus, by managing our resources, it will help Singapore sustain its' economic growth.

Conclusion:
Diversifying the economy by developing various sectors of the industry is important as it will help reduce Singapore’s dependence on a single industry or market. Should any sector of the economy slow down, the other sectors can continue to generate revenue. Venturing abroad is also important as it allows Singapore to spread her investments across the world. Similar to diversifying the economy, it ensures that Singapore’s growth is maintained even if the markets and investment opportunities in one particular region are weakened, However, venturing abroad can result in many Singaporeans relocating abroad permanently. This can lead to a situation similar to India’s brain drain. Other factors such nurturing the growth of SMEs and managing resources are also vital for Singapore’s success. Therefore to overcome the challenges of a globalising world, Singapore has to continue to adopt different strategies and stay creative and open to new ideas and opportunities.


Is globalisation beneficial or harmful to Singapore’s economic growth? Explain your answer.

Harmful
Increased competition among countries - compete to be attractive by offering incentives as TNCs constantly seek out lower production costs. So countries with lower costs, good infrastructure and political stability get ahead eg Dalian has well-developed infrastructure to support industrial growth, has Hi-Tech industrial facilities and can offer lower taxes. So, attracted foreign manufacturing companies eg Nokia. Another eg is Maersk Sealand shifting its transshipment hub from Singapore to rival port, Tanjong Pelepas. Loss of big clients resulted in loss of revenue. Posed a challenge to Singapore as difficult to compete with countries with lots of resources, cheaper labour and land eg China & India & TNCs
- Increased income gap between rich and poor within nation. More highly-educated or those who possess better skills are better off than poorly-skilled. Latter are the ones who would be the first to be retrenched. Not only economic problem but social problems if not properly managed eg affect social cohesion. Lack of cohesion affects economic growth.
- Might lead to brain drain of talent to developed countries which can offer better prospects

Beneficial
· More trade and foreign investments
- Bigger market through FTAs, SEZs lead to more revenue which translates to improvements in standard of living as money used for improvements in infrastructure, health, housing, communications
- More job opportunities and increase in average household incomes eg $4940 in 2000 to $5400 in 2005. So, higher purchasing power and higher standard of living
- Coming of foreign talents -brings with it overseas contact and more business opportunities. Translates to increased in earnings and economic growth.

· Increased in tourists
- globalization has shrunk the world, enabling more countries to know about Singapore and taking interest to visit the country
- better communication has boost travel



How far do you agree that environment degradation is the most serious adverse effect of globalisation? Explain your answer.

Many environmentalists have argued that globalisation can be a destructive force to the natural environment and have protested against it. When TNCs set up plants in different parts of the world, many of them use natural resources such as timber, oil and metals at a rapid rate. At the same time, developing countries are eager to gain the economic benefits that come with globalisation. Very often, the natural environment suffers because these development countries are more concerned with economic development than environment protection. Environment degradation poses a serious problem to the countries as well as to the rest of the world, bring about problems like global warming which has far reaching consequences. Future generations will suffer as a result of the irresponsible actions of the present generation.

Globalisation has rapidly increased the income gap between the rich and poor countries. It has resulted in rapid development in many countries. However, it has also increased the spread of poverty in many countries. The developed countries are experiencing rapid income growth as they own most of the manufacturing activities. On the other hand, the developing countries often face trade barriers imposed by the developed countries. They are not capable of producing quality goods, which command high prices and fetch large revenue. The situation of widening income gap poses a serious problem to the countries that embrace globalisation as it may adversely affect social cohesion. IF not probably managed, it may lead to many other social problems such as an increase in crime rates.

Globalisation may also lead to a loss of local culture. Globalisation has resulted in global brands such as Starbucks and McDonalds’ dominating the consumer market in developing countries. These corporations with their standardised methods of operation have outlets that are identical in appearance. In this way, these corporations have created a homogenous culture across the world and eroded the local culture. The loss of local culture poses a serious problem to the country because when the culture is eroded, it would be difficult to re-create. As such, the identity of the country is at stake.

Environment degradation is the most serious problem posed by globalization as the impact is the most pervasive as compared to the other two problems. Environment problems such as deforestation and global warming are international issues that affect everyone. However, the problem of widening income gap and loss of local culture affect only the country concerned.

VI FACING CHALLENGES AND CHANGE

Reasons for the rise of Venice

Good leadership
Venice was fortunate to have had a number of very good and capable top leaders who took steps to make her strong and wealthy. First, there was Doge Pietro II Orseolo who brought peace by reconciling the feuding cities, negotiating treaties with major powers and subduing the pirates in Dalmatia. Next, Doge Enrico Dandolo, by directing the Fourth Crusade in the 12th century and capitalizing on circumstances, weakened the Byzantine Empire and captured Constantinople. This brought recognition from the other states and helped Venice to control some of the important territories which had once belonged to the Byzantine Empire. Finally, Doge Pietro Ziani followed an expansionist policy and extended Venice’s control over the Mediterranean Sea.
As a result, due to the work of her far-sighted leaders, Venice was systematically transformed from a small city-state into a huge, powerful and wealthy maritime empire.

Reforms in government
From the 12th century onwards changes were made to the structure of government. One change was the creation of the Great Council, made up of men from the most powerful and influential families in Venice. This council had multiple roles to perform including the election of capable members to all councils and the passing of laws. It was later reorganized, with the formation of the Senate, in the 13th century so that it could focus on the more important duties. For example, it oversaw foreign relations matters, commercial matters and the operations of the Venetian fleet. These changes were necessitated by the new challenges that were posed by Venice’s growth. To maintain a system of checks and balances on power held by the top officials, the Council of Ten was formed. It could even limit the power of the Doge and dealt with critical matters such as those concerning the internal security of the state. As a result of these governmental changes, Venice built up a system of government that was well prepared to meet the demands of the people and the growing city-state. Thus this was an important reason for the rise of Venice.

Trade developments and expansion
For instance, Venice displayed a highly positive and aggressive attitude towards trade. It was skilful at obtaining favourable terms of trade compared to its competitors, such as Genoa, and so had an edge over them. Furthermore, the Venetians showed an enterprising spirit which took them to distant unfamiliar lands in search of new routes and new items of trade as well as new markets. This helped Venice to grow in trade. Additionally, Venice made good use of advances in maritime technology (in the fields of navigation and weaponry). These gave Venetian vessels to voyage even in winter time. Venice’s superb ship-building skills led to the construction of vessels that were superior to those of their competitors. The armed Venetian great galleys were able to range further than before and so help expand its trade reach. Added to this was the state’s efficient management system for all voyages made by Venetian ships.
Venice did not shy away from the use of force to achieve its commercial ambitions. It fought and defeated its closest trade competitor, Genoa, in the late 14th century and thus effectively took control of the Mediterranean Sea. This and its strategic position enabled Venice to impose a lucrative monopoly on the trade in goods from the East, such as spices and sugar. Thus, the strong, positive and aggressive attitude that Venice took towards trade, aided by innovations in maritime technology and an efficient system of management of trade, helped push Venice ahead of its rivals and to rise to prominence and wealth.

Industrial development
These developments were prompted by the expansion of Venice’s trade. For instance, the state’s ship-building industry, centralized at the Arsenal, kept pace with the demand for great galleys in the 13th century. The Arsenal became the backbone of Venice’s maritime industry and power. As Venetians grew wealthier, they began to demand for goods, such as glassware. This in turn led to the growth of manufacturing industries. New industries, such as the printing industry, also assisted in the rise of Venice by creating more jobs. Thus industrial development helped generate more employment which attracted even foreign talents to Venice. The industries helped create more wealth for Venice and in that way helped it to rise.

Innovative practices of the Venetians
The Venetians were innovative in trade and business. They came up with the double-entry bookkeeping system and also had Giro-banking which facilitated trade between Venice and people from various regions. As a result of these innovative practices, trade was further facilitated as traders came to Venice encouraged by the convenience and efficiency of Venice’s trade-related services


Challenges faced by Venice in the period between the 14th and 18th centuries

Maritime competition
In the 15th century of the Portuguese succeeded in pioneering a new sea trade route to the East. As a result, they destroyed Venice’s monopoly of the lucrative spice trade and greatly reduced the large profits which the Venetian traders had earned. However, Venice continued to function as a trade centre in the western Mediterranean Sea. Venice also expanded its trade to the North Sea. Further maritime challenges to Venice came from firstly, the Dutch and then the English who from the 17th century, began to venture to the East too to get their supplies, thus bypassing the Venetians. This affected Venice’s position as an entrepot port. The Dutch and British had better-designed ships than the Venetians too. As a result of these maritime challenges, Venice imposed a protectionist policy. They imposed higher duties on foreign traders. This policy drove traders away from Venetian ports. Thus Venice lost some of its trading partners.

Foreign threats
Firstly, their involvement in the mainland was brought about by their desire to protect their territories and commercial interests. This they did by taking advantage of the rivalry among the mainland states. Venice constantly switched alliances with different opposing states. This was risky (as Venice could be attacked) and so Venice had to build up a mercenary army. Another threat was from the Ottoman Empire which competed with Venice for control of the Adriatic Sea. Venice had to use its precious galleys to fight the Ottomans. This disrupted its use of galleys for trading purposes. Also, to contain the Ottomans Venice tried to strike a balance of power with the Ottomans and their European neighbours at the same time. This action caused its European neighbours to develop a deep hostility towards Venice.
Venice’s growing influence in the region made it unpopular among the various mainland states. This led them to create a military alliance against Venice. It was known as the League of Cambrai. It fought wars against Venice and had some success in taking over some of Venice’s territories. As a result of the many wars fought by Venice against its various foreign threats, Venice’s resources were weakened. This forced Venice to take the unpopular step of raising taxes to finance the employment of its mercenary armies.

Political challenges
Prosperity brought with it a weakening of the government. This gradually led to Venice’s political decline. For example, the shrinking number of nobility as older families died, affected their appointment to the highest offices. Policies were created not to serve the interests of the city-state but the self interests of the nobility. From the 16th century a small group of rich nobles dominated the government. As a result, renewal of leadership became a challenge and corruption became inevitable. Due to the policy of rotation of duties, even when there were no competent officers available to take over, power was handed to incompetent officers. This led to disastrous consequences for Venice in its wars against the Ottomans fro example. There was also growing corruption in the government as poor nobles sold their votes at a high price. This meant that leadership was determined by wealth and not talent or capability. This led to incompetent leaders taking positions in government. Due to its small population and many enemies, Venice became over-dependent on mercenaries to fight its wars. This was a costly decision as the loyalty of these troops was questionable.

You might also want to read about the reasons that lead to the fall of Venice here: http://www.socyberty.com/History/Fall-of-Venice.124130

Lessons to learn for Singapore

Nation building – developing sense of belonging and loyalty
Venice’s leaders and people at its peak showed determination in dealing with harsh conditions by maintaining social cohesion and developing a sense of belonging and loyalty, such as by forming guilds. This enabled the integration of foreign talent and labourers. However, during its decline, Venetians were complacent due to past success and cared more for themselves than the state. Hence, countries can learn that it is important to prepare people to make sacrifices for and remain committed to the nation in the face of challenges and not to be complacent. A committed citizen with a sense of belonging and rootedness will be willing to learn new skills and explore new opportunities in the face of changing times in order for the country to grow and prosper. A cohesive and stable society is required in order to bring about changes in the country’s development strategies.

Adapting to changes and facing future challenges
At its peak, Venetians were efficient, innovative and enterprising, for examples in maritime technology and giro-banking. These innovations attracted foreign traders and boosted its wealth. However, during its decline, Venice did not keep up with the times. For example, they were not skilled to operate new ship designs and passed unpopular trade laws that deterred foreign traders. Hence, countries can learn that it is important to adapt to changes taking place eg globalisation and Information Technology so as to make good use of opportunities to expand trade and increase prosperity.

Need for Capable and committed leadership
Capable leaders such as Doge Pietro II Orseolo was able to reconcile feuding cities, negotiated treaties with major powers and subdued the pirates in Dalmatia. Peace would in turn boost trade in the region. Doge Pietro Ziani captured Constantinople which marked the beginning of Venice’s growth as a maritime empire. Venice rose because its leaders were willing to place state interests above their personal interests. In the 14th century, the Council of Ten monitored the activities of organisations and officials to ensure that there were no corrupt practices or abuse of power by the Doge or any high ranking official. The Great Council exercised its authority by limiting the power of the Doge. In the course of Venetian history, there had been Doges who were forced into exile or arrested by the Council of Ten for corrupt practices such as nepotism or attempting to become too powerful. There were effective checks on power & preventing the concentration of power. However, in the 16th century, the leaders became corrupt, neglected their responsibilities and chose to adopt lavish lifestyles. Venice fell also because of the weak process of selecting its military leaders.Good and honest leaders can ensure a stable & competent government, which can then bring peace, stability & prosperity to the country.

Maintaining good international relations
When the Ottomans attacked Venice, none of the other Italian city states came to help as Venice became arrogant and dubious in its relations with these neighbour states. It is thus important for every country to have friends in the regional and international community e.g. ASEAN and UN. There is a need to build close ties and good relations with other countries.

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