Thomas Stamford Raffles believed his efforts to secure British interests in Southeast Asia rested on the success of Singapore, established in 1819. Within months of its founding, the colony experienced rapid growth, attracting over five thousand residents, primarily Chinese, and signaling a promising future for Raffles’ vision of a trade-focused empire.
Singapore’s Rapid Growth and Raffles’ Philosophy
Raffles, writing to the Duchess of Somerset in February 1819, conceded that failure in Singapore would mean abandoning his political career for a life of philosophical pursuits. He soon reported a population increase exceeding five thousand within four months, largely comprised of Chinese immigrants, with numbers continuing to rise.
John Crawfurd, Raffles’ second Resident in Singapore, later described him as possessing “activity, industry and political courage,” readily adopting the ideas of others. However, Crawfurd underestimated Raffles’ originality, as he applied a scientific approach to fields ranging from geography to linguistics.
From Imperialism to Trade
Raffles’ thinking evolved throughout the 1810s, initially leaning towards interventionism and imperial expansion, particularly concerning Java. In 1811, he advocated for annexing Java to expand British commercial and political influence, while acknowledging the value of some Dutch regulations. He even suggested that settlements in Borneo required a territorial, rather than purely commercial, basis.
The 1816 reinstatement of Dutch control in Java prompted a shift in Raffles’ outlook. He then focused on establishing a trade-based arrangement, stating in 1816 that “the object of the British Government is not extension of territory,” and turning his attention to the strategic potential of the Straits of Malacca.
“Not Territory, But Trade”
This shift led to the founding of Singapore, guided by the principle that “Our object is not territory, but trade; a great commercial emporium.” Raffles aimed to create a free port that would challenge Dutch monopolies in the region.
The sentiment of prioritizing trade over dominion was not original to Raffles; Lord Shelburne had used the phrase “Trade, not dominion” decades earlier. Raffles’ thinking was heavily influenced by the work of Adam Smith, particularly his The Wealth of Nations, and a discussion with Smith had been pivotal in Shelburne’s own philosophical development.
The Influence of Adam Smith
Raffles’ 1811 memorial to Lord Minto included an unattributed quote from Smith’s The Wealth of Nations, highlighting the benefits of “smaller profits on a larger capital, than larger profits on a smaller capital.” This demonstrated a shared understanding of economic principles between Raffles, Minto, and Smith.
Smith also influenced Gilbert Elliot, later Lord Minto, and encouraged his support for a free trade entrepôt on Balambangan, a precursor to Raffles’ Singapore scheme. Raffles frequently quoted Smith, notably in his History of Java (1816).
A Pragmatic and Secular Vision
Raffles’ vision, fully articulated in his Administration of the Eastern Islands (1819), emphasized a pragmatically secular society focused on scientific understanding and free commerce. He criticized the “greedy policy” of the Dutch and advocated for a British approach centered on commercial interests and mutual benefit with native states.
He proposed a Malay College in Singapore that would be multicultural, offering instruction in native languages to Europeans and English to local students, even welcoming Chinese students willing to pay tuition. The college’s syllabus would be secular, reflecting Raffles’ philosophical approach.
Raffles held pragmatic views on religion, acknowledging the historical achievements of Hinduism and Buddhism while criticizing contemporary practices and the influence of Islam, which he associated with piracy and slavery. He admired the secular achievements of Christians, such as Robert Morrison’s lexicography and William Wilberforce’s anti-slavery advocacy.
A Lasting Legacy
Raffles’ ultimate vision was a globalist one, prioritizing free trade and development over territorial expansion. While his contemporaries focused on his practical achievements, it is his philosophical approach that distinguishes his legacy and continues to resonate in modern Singapore. The statues of Raffles remain in the heart of Singapore, not only as a symbol of the city-state’s founding but also as a testament to his enduring Enlightenment spirit.
Discover more from Archyworldys
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
