British rule in Burma

British colonial rule in Burma lasted from 1824 to 1948. It began with a series of wars called the Anglo-Burmese Wars and ended when Burma gained independence. During this time, the British controlled areas such as Arakan, Tenasserim, and Lower Burma. Later, they also took over Upper Burma.

In 1886, after the Third Anglo-Burmese War, Burma became a part of British India. It was known as British Burma. In 1937, Burma was separated from British India and became its own colony, managed by the Burma Office. However, during World War II, much of the country was occupied by Japan.

Burma achieved full independence from British rule on 4 January 1948. The region was sometimes called "the Scottish Colony" because many Scots helped govern it, including a notable figure named Sir James Scott. Indian immigrants also played a big role in managing the colony, which led to some tensions over time.

Before the British conquest

Burma was a wealthy place because it sat on important trade routes in Southeast Asia. Many Indian merchants traveled along its coasts and rivers, especially the Irrawaddy River, and over time, many of them became part of the local Burmese community. Burma was also one of the first countries in Southeast Asia to adopt Buddhism widely, and it remained the main religion there.

The country was ruled by the Konbaung dynasty, which had a very centralised government. The king was the main leader but could not make new laws—only issue orders for running things. There were two sets of laws called the Dhammathat and the Hluttaw. The government had three parts: finance, leadership, and courts. While the king oversaw everything, his orders could only be used if the Hluttaw approved them first. Provinces were led by governors chosen by the Hluttaw, and villages were managed by leaders approved by the king.

Arrival of the British

See also: Britons in Myanmar

Conflict began between Burma and the British when the Burmese tried to expand into areas close to British-held lands. This led to the First Anglo-Burmese War from 1824 to 1826. The British took the city of Rangoon and forced Burma to give up some lands. The war ended with the Treaty of Yandabo.

Later, in 1852, the British started the Second Anglo-Burmese War because they wanted control of the teak forests and ports in southern Burma. They fought until they took all of Lower Burma.

Finally, in 1885, the British began the Third Anglo-Burmese War. They said the Burmese king was treating people badly and working with other countries. British soldiers entered the city of Mandalay, and soon all of Burma became part of British India on January 1, 1886.

Early British rule

After the British took control of Burma, they made many changes. They introduced new laws and a new way of governing, which was different from the old Burmese ways. This sometimes caused problems between different groups of people in the region.

The British also brought new schools, teaching in English and Burmese. They encouraged Christian teachers to come and start schools, which helped some people learn new things and develop their languages. The British also worked to end practices like forced labor, although this took time to change completely.

Administrative divisions

The province of Burma after 1885 was divided into several parts:

1. Ministerial Burma (Burma proper)
2. Tenasserim Division including areas like Toungoo and Thaton
3. Arakan Division with districts such as Akyab
4. Pegu Division covering places like Insein
5. Irrawaddy Division including Bassein
6. Scheduled Areas known as Frontier Areas
7. Shan States
8. Chun tracts
9. Kachin tracts

The Frontier Areas were mostly home to ethnic groups like the Chin, Shan, Kachin, and Karenni. They were managed separately by the British and later became part of modern Myanmar.

By 1931, Burma had 8 main divisions, each containing several districts.

Economy

Before British rule, Burma’s economy focused on local trade and farming. With the British coming, the economy shifted to focus on exports, especially rice, which was needed in Europe. The British cleared land in the Irrawaddy delta to grow more rice.

Many Burmese people moved to the delta for work. However, they often needed loans from Indian moneylenders to prepare their land, and these loans had very high interest rates.

At the same time, many Indian workers moved to Burma and took jobs that Burmese farmers had held. This change caused hardship for many Burmese people.

The British built railways and steamboats to help move goods, but these were owned by the British. Although Burma’s economy grew, many Burmese people did not benefit from it. The country’s resources were often sent abroad, and many people became poorer. Unemployment rose, and some people turned to crime because of these tough conditions.

Burmese nationalism

Early days

In the early 1900s, Burmese people began to form groups to work together for their country. One of these groups was called the Young Men's Buddhist Association, which started in 1906. They opened schools to help educate people. Later, another group called the General Council of Burmese Associations formed, connecting many local village groups.

Some leaders traveled to study in London and believed that changes could improve life in Burma. In the 1920s, small changes were made to give Burma more control over its own affairs. However, many people felt these changes were not enough and wanted faster progress.

The rise

In 1930, a protest over taxes by a man named Saya San grew into a large movement against British rule. This event, called the Galon Rebellion, lasted two years and required many British soldiers to stop. During this time, some future leaders began to become well-known.

In 1936, students at Rangoon University protested when leaders Aung San and Ko Nu were punished. Their actions led to the formation of unions and helped more people get involved in working for Burma's future.

Separation from India

Main articles: Government of India Act 1935, Separation League, and Anti-Separation League

See also: Myanmar's relationship with Northeast India

In 1937, the British made Burma separate from British India. They gave Burma its own rules and a new government building where leaders could make decisions. Many Burmese people were happy at first, but some thought the changes were not enough.

In 1938, workers in Burma started protests because their jobs were taken away without reason. The protests grew big and are called the 1300 Revolution. Sadly, during these protests, some people were hurt, and a student named Bo Aung Kyaw died. Today, December 20 is remembered as Bo Aung Kyaw Day in Myanmar to honor him.

World War II

Main article: Japanese occupation of Burma

See also: Japanese invasion of Burma, Burma Campaign, and Saharat Thai Doem

In December 1941, Japan invaded Burma and by the end of 1942, they controlled much of the area. In 1943, a new government was set up in Rangoon, led by Ba Maw, but it was controlled by Japan. Japan could not fully take over all of Burma, and there was ongoing resistance. By 1945, British forces, mostly from the British Indian Army, had taken back control, recapturing Rangoon in May of that year.

After Japanese surrender

When Japan surrendered, Burma came under military rule. The British wanted to charge Aung San and others for working with Japan, but they knew it would be very unpopular. The British governor returned to lead the country, focusing on rebuilding and putting off talks about independence. This caused trouble, as the Anti-Fascist People's Freedom League (AFPFL) did not support the government.

A new governor arrived, and there were strikes by police and government workers. The governor talked with Aung San, and they agreed to work together. This helped calm things down. They began discussing how Burma could become independent, and they reached an agreement in January 1947. However, not everyone was happy with this agreement. Some groups opposed it, and there were disagreements among leaders. Aung San also worked with different groups to keep Burma united. Later, elections showed that most people supported Aung San and his team.

Aung San's assassination

On 19 July 1947, a political leader named U Saw arranged for the killing of Aung San and some of his government members during a meeting. Since then, this day is remembered in Burma as Martyrs' Day. Thakin Nu was asked to lead a new government, and Burma became fully independent on 4 January 1948, choosing to be a republic instead of staying under British control, unlike India and Pakistan at that time. This decision was likely because many people in Burma felt strongly against British rule.

Main article: Martyrs' Day
Main articles: Burma Independence Act 1947, British Dominion

Colonial independence

Main article: Union of Burma (1948–1962)

Burma became an independent republic on 4 January 1948. Not long after gaining independence, civil war began and this conflict has continued in different forms up to today.