1 When and where did the British land to begin their rule of Hong Kong?
British soldiers landed at Possession Point in Sheung Wan on January 26, 1841 and occupied Hong Kong island.
2 How was their rule of Hong Kong expanded in 1860 and 1898?
In 1860, Britain extended her rule in Hong Kong. She ruled over the Kowloon peninsula. Finally in 1898, she leased the New Territories from the Qing Dynasty for 99 years.
3 Who was the first governor of Hong Kong?
The first governor of Hong Kong was Sir Henry Pottinger.
4 Which 2 councils were formed under the governor to help him rule? What were their functions?
There were the Legislative Council which made laws and voted taxes and the Executive Council which enforced laws, granted land and advised on policy-making.
5 Who was the first Chinese to be appointed as unofficial member of Legco in 1880?
Ng Choy was appointed to the Legislative Council as its first Chinese unofficial member in 1880.
6 Who was the first Chinese to be appointed as unofficial member of Exco in 1926?
Shouson Chow was appointed the first Chinese unofficial member of Exco in 1926.
7 What happened to the population of Hong Kong between 1841 and 1901? Why?
The population rose from 7,450 people in 1841 to 300,660 people in 1901. Hong Kong had a stable government. Yet there were wars, unrest and famine in Qing China. As a result, many Chinese came to Hong Kong to make a living. So the population increased rapidly in this period.
8 What did the government do to solve the problems of crime and pirates in the early years?
The government asked the British navy to get rid of the pirates. They set up a police force in 1844 to fight crime, and they carried out a curfew on the Chinese during the period 1843-97.
9 What did the government set up in 1848 and 1883 to deal with public health problems?
To solve public health problems, the government started to build public hospitals in 1848 and it set up the Sanitary Board in 1883.
10 How was education provided in the years before 1860 in Hong Kong?
The government allowed local villages and religious bodies to provide education.
11 What education body did the government set up in 1860?
The government set up the Board of Education in 1860.
12 Which was the first government school? What is it called today?
The first government school was Central School. Today it is called Queen's College.
13 When was the first university built?
The first university, the University of Hong Kong, was opened in 1912.