Legacies of War
Explore how World War II shaped Singapore's political landscape and postwar society. Reflect on the war's lasting legacies through oral histories and artefacts.
Last updated 18 March 2026
LEGACIES OF WAR
On 5 September 1945, the British returned to Singapore, to relief and rejoicing amongst the locals. However, the wartime experience and the British Military Administration's shortcomings left the locals with a less than rosy view of the British.
The legacies of the war manifested on various levels: the British grand plans for decolonisation; the social challenges of postwar reconstruction; the people's political awakening. The exhibition ends on a contemplative note on how we remember the war and its enduring legacies.
POLITICAL AWAKENING
One of the most immediate legacies of war and occupation was the political awakening of the people. Some believed in working with the British on decolonisation, while others believed in more radical approaches such as communism.
REMEMBERING THE WAR AND OCCUPATION
How do we remember the war and occupation today? Through oral histories and artefacts, reflect on the legacies of war and occupation in Singapore.
