The European Nation That Once Colonized Myanmar Is Britain: Here's the History

YOGYAKARTA - Myanmar is one of the countries in the Southeast Asian region that has experienced the bitterness of European colonization. The colonization in Myanmar began in 1824 and lasted for less than 124 years until the country became independent in 1948. The European nation that once colonized Myanmar was the British.

This article will review the history of Myanmar from the era of British colonialism to gaining independence in 1948. Check out the complete information below!

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, was colonized by the British in the 19th century. The era of colonialism began with the Anglo-Burmese War which took place in three phases, namely in 1824, 1852, and 1885. Britain, which was expanding its colonial power in Asia, was disturbed by the power of the Kobaung Dynasty, the last dynasty ruling in Burma.

In addition to expanding the imperial territory, Britain also had economic motives, in which the country wanted to dominate and control Burma's abundant natural resources.

After these three wars, Britain managed to occupy all of Myanmar and make it part of the British Empire in 1885.

Under the rule of the colonial government, Myanmar underwent major transformations, especially in terms of economy and social structure. In its colonies, Britain built railways and ports to facilitate the export of natural resources such as rice, timber, and oil.

Even so, British colonialism also had a negative impact in Myanmar. British colonialism made the people of the country feel marginalized, because important positions in government and business tended to be held by British people or other foreign ethnic groups.

Quoted from the official website of the University of Thailand, on April 1, 1937, Burma was separated from British India and became a colony that was managed separately. At that time, Ba Maw became the first Prime Minister who called for self-government, as well as opposing Burma's involvement in World War II. As a result of his attitude, Ba Maw was arrested by the colonial government on the grounds of sedition.

After the arrest, nationalism began to grow in Myanmar. The struggle against the British colonial government was led by young people and students who were inspired by the independence movement in other countries.

In 1940, Aung San, an influential national figure, formed the Burma Independence Army in Japan.

During World War II, Burma became a fierce battleground that devastated the country.

In 1942, Japan managed to control the Rangoon area and formed an executive government. However, in 1945, Allied forces managed to end the Japanese rule in Burma.

After the war, Aung San played a key role in the Panglong Agreement with ethnic leaders to guarantee Burma's independence as a unitary state. However, in 1947, Aung San and several members of his cabinet were killed in a political assassination allegedly orchestrated by the British.

On the morning of January 4, 1948, Burma was declared an independent republic with the name of the Union of Burma. Sao Shwe Thaik was appointed as the first President. While U Nu became the first Prime Minister. Unlike other British colonies, Myanmar did not join the commonwealth.

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