Unit 5 - Growth and Development of Hong Kong up to the Early 20th Century (Part 2)
Gap-fill exercise
1 What did the British do in 1841 that helped trade to grow rapidly in Hong Kong?
In 1841, Britain declared Hong Kong a free port. This means that ships could enter Hong Kong freely. This policy attracted a lot of foreign traders to come to Hong Kong. Trade grew rapidly.
2 What were the two main industries in Hong Kong in the early years of British rule?
The main industries at that time were boat-building and boat-repairing.
3 What were the 3 main kinds of transport in Hong Kong in the early years of British rule?
In the early years of British rule, people used three kinds of transport - sedan chairs, rickshaws and horse-drawn carts.
4 What was Hong Kong's first airport?
Hong Kong's first airport was Kai Tak airport which opened in 1928.
5 Which were Hong Kong's first bus companies?
Hong Kong's first bus companies were the China Motor Bus Company and the Kowloon Motor Bus Company. Both were established in 1933.
6 When and where did the first 3 reclamations of land take place?
Reclamation first took place in Sheung Wan (1852), then in Kennedy Town (1886) and Central (1890-1904).
7 What were these first reclamations used for?
The reclaimed land was used to build roads, houses, shops, schools, factories and godowns.
8 How did the opening of the Suez Canal help Hong Kong become an entrepot?
When the Suez Canal opened in 1869, ships could sail through the Suez Canal to the East and did not have to sail round the Cape of Good Hope. This shortened the voyage from Europe to China. Trade grew. Hong Kong became an entrepot for China trade.
9 Why was Hong Kong's geographical position favourable as an entrepot?
Hong Kong lies on the trade route between Europe and China. It also has a deep harbour. So goods from Europe were first shipped to Hong Kong. From Hong Kong, they were exported to China. This turned Hong Kong into an entrepot.
10 How did the setting up of banks and companies help Hong Kong become an entrepot?
Many banks and companies were set up in Hong Kong in the early years of British rule. These companies spent a lot of money on improving the port facilities. This helped Hong Kong grow into an entrepot.