What was becoming increasingly popular in Britain?

Trading conditions with China were less than ideal, what were the regulations enforced by Chinese authorities?

What was the only way to reach Canton from the East India base in Calcutta?

The Straits were also known for what?

Therefore, the trade route to China from India was what?

The problems posed by the Straits were solved by who, and what?

What year was the sparsely inhabited port of Singapore located, and what happened?

Why did the port have explosive growth?

Why did Raffles deliberately choose to make Singapore an entrepôt?

What was another key aspect of Singapore's value?

In 1819, trade worth how much passed through Singapore, and by 1824 the volume had increased by how much?

By 1849, there were how many British merchant houses?

What did the growth of Singapore show?

When did Singapore's importance reduce?