He gave stirring speeches
He used non violent resistance to attract attention
The main reason for british colonization of Singapore was to obtain use of its harbor and ports. Singapore was in a very strategic position for certain trade and shipping routes.
Well one push factor would be they wanted to escape religious and political prosecution. Another is the Potato Famine. This was when their potatoes were contaminated and many died from starvation and disease.
I hope this helps somehow ;)
