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The Secret of the Three Anglo-Burmese Wars: How did the British conquer Burma?
British colonial rule in Myanmar began in 1824 and ended in 1948. During this period, it experienced three Anglo-Burmese wars. The process of this conquest not only changed Myanmar's political and economic structure, but also had a profound impact on its social culture. How could Britain effectively conquer Burma during this time? This article takes a closer look at this process.
During the British colonial period, Myanmar's traditional social structure was severely damaged, and the combination of royal power and Buddhism was forcibly separated.
The situation in Myanmar in the early stage
Prior to the British conquest, the economy of Burma (then known as the Kingdom of Burma) was based primarily on subsistence agriculture, but its location on trade routes allowed Burma to derive some of its wealth from commerce. The ruler at that time was the Kong Bang Dynasty, which implemented a centralized government system. Although the king had the final decision-making power on affairs, it needed to be confirmed by the parliament.
British Invasion
The British invasion of Burma began with the conflict with the Khong Bang dynasty. The first Anglo-Burmese War was caused by the expansion of the Khonbang dynasty into the Arakan region. In 1824, British naval operations made Rangoon easily fall into the hands of the British army. The war ended with the Treaty of Yandu, and Myanmar had to cede the northern provinces including Assam.
The end of this war did not bring stability to Burma, but instead laid the foundation for subsequent British expansion.
The Second and Third Anglo-Burmese War
The Second Anglo-Burmese War in 1852 started due to the British Wolf War on Lower Burma. After the war, the British gained control of Lower Burma. At this time, the British market's demand for Burma's timber, oil and rubies was increasing. . The Third Anglo-Burmese War broke out in 1885. The British quickly occupied the country and ended Myanmar's independent status.
British colonial rule
The British implemented direct rule over Burma and made extensive changes to the government structure. The old monarchy was abolished and replaced by autocratic yamen. This change not only changed the administrative system, but also intensified conflicts between ethnic groups. The British used the strategy of "divide and rule" to maintain control of various ethnic groups.
Many traditional social structures were severely damaged due to British intervention, and the people's consciousness of struggle gradually increased.
Economic changes and social impacts
The economic policy during the colonial period was mainly export-oriented. The British began to develop Myanmar's natural resources on a large scale, especially the production of rice. But this also brought about the loss of Myanmar’s population, and many local farmers were forced to lose their source of income because they could not compete with migrant Indian workers.
The narrative mentioned that Myanmar's poverty problem has intensified with the rapid economic growth, and many people have to participate in crime to survive.
The rise of nationalist movements
With the colonization of Burma, nationalist movements gradually emerged. Especially in the early 20th century, the establishment of organizations such as the "Young Monks Association" marked the Burmese people's dissatisfaction and resistance to colonial rule. Subsequent movements such as the Fight Back Association and the We Are Burmese Association were disobedient to British rule.
The impact of World War II
In 1942, the invasion of the Japanese Empire put British control in Burma into crisis. Although Japan established a puppet regime, Burmese residents still resisted this colonization. In 1945, Britain regained control, but the social structure had already been changed.
Conclusion
From 1824 to 1948, the British not only conquered Burma through three wars and their results, but also changed its social and economic structure. This history not only reminds us of the impact of colonization, but also makes us think, has Myanmar today completely shed the shadow of the past and truly achieved independence?
