1832 - Singapore becomes capital of Straits Settlements. The port attracts thousands of migrants from China, India and other parts of Asia. 1867 - Straits Settlements become crown colony of British Empire. 1869 - Suez Canal opens, trade booms. 1922 - Singapore becomes main British naval base in East Asia.
Japan bombs Singapore.
1945 - Japan defeated. Singapore under British military administration. 1946 - Singapore becomes separate crown colony. Joins United Nations. Last British military forces withdrawn.