>Canning industry
was becoming very
profitable in europe.
>Discovery of large tin
deposits in the malay
states provided the
british with
opportunities for
greater profits.
>Extending control
over these states will
enmsure a steady
supply of tin.
Rubber
>When the automobile industry
began to grow, worldwide
demand for rubber rose.
>British had to take control over
the interior of the malay
peninsula as it became a major
rubber producer for the world.
Need for new markets
>Needed new markets
to sell mass-produce
goods they had
manufactured from
british factories.
Need for new bases
>Opening of suez canal (1969) brought
more europeans into asia faster.
>Needed to secure more bases to
strengthen foothold over trade in asia
(especially against piracy in the straits of
meleka.
Political
To build the british empire
>Because of the threat they faced
from the other european powers.
>British wanted to maintain a
competitive edge over the european
rivals (Dutch, Germans) by building an overseas
empire.
Social
Need for social stability
British had to intervene to keep peace for trade.
Wars among tin miners.
The fiercest rivalry occurred
between the Ghee Hins (mostly
cantonese & Hokkiens) & the Hai
sans (mostly hakkas) while working
on tin mines of Larut in north perak.
Succession disputes
Caused tensions &
conflicts that drove the
state into chaos. (Eg. In
perak, sultan ali died in
1871, there was no clear
successor & 3 claimants
fought to take the
throne.
Desire of merchants,
businessmen & local officials for
british intervention
>They appealed to the british for
intervention as they wanted law & order in
order to carry out business in a stable & safe
environment. (Eg. The 'man on the spot' in
this case was Sir andrew clarke)