Podcast
Questions and Answers
What strategic role did Britain primarily envision for Burma during its colonial rule, particularly in relation to India?
What strategic role did Britain primarily envision for Burma during its colonial rule, particularly in relation to India?
- A military base to project power into Southeast Asia.
- A region for resource exploitation, primarily for timber and minerals.
- An agricultural hub to supply cotton and other raw materials to British industries.
- A buffer zone to protect India from potential threats from the east. (correct)
In what sequence did the British annex different regions of Burma during the Anglo-Burmese Wars?
In what sequence did the British annex different regions of Burma during the Anglo-Burmese Wars?
- Tenasserim and Arakan, Lower Burma, Upper Burma. (correct)
- Upper Burma, Lower Burma, Tenasserim and Arakan.
- Lower Burma, Upper Burma, Tenasserim and Arakan.
- Upper Burma, Tenasserim and Arakan, Lower Burma.
What administrative change occurred in 1897 regarding the status of Burma within British India?
What administrative change occurred in 1897 regarding the status of Burma within British India?
- Burma was incorporated directly into the Bengal Presidency, losing its distinct administrative identity.
- Burma was granted dominion status, with limited self-governance.
- Burma transitioned from a minor province (a Chief Commissionership) to a major province (a Lieutenant-Governorship). (correct)
- Burma was divided into separate administrative regions, each reporting directly to the Viceroy of India.
Prior to 1937, under whose direct administrative control was Burma governed as part of British India?
Prior to 1937, under whose direct administrative control was Burma governed as part of British India?
Which event marked the end of Burmese monarchy and the complete annexation of Upper Burma by the British?
Which event marked the end of Burmese monarchy and the complete annexation of Upper Burma by the British?
How did the British come to use the name 'Burma' for the country, and what was an alternative name used by the Burmese people themselves?
How did the British come to use the name 'Burma' for the country, and what was an alternative name used by the Burmese people themselves?
Following which administrative reorganization did Burma become directly accountable to the Burma Office under the Secretary of State for India and Burma?
Following which administrative reorganization did Burma become directly accountable to the Burma Office under the Secretary of State for India and Burma?
What role did Scottish people play in the colonization and administration of Burma during British rule?
What role did Scottish people play in the colonization and administration of Burma during British rule?
What was the primary economic consequence of the shift in Burmese population from the northern heartland to the delta region?
What was the primary economic consequence of the shift in Burmese population from the northern heartland to the delta region?
Why did Burmese farmers become increasingly indebted to Indian moneylenders during the colonial period?
Why did Burmese farmers become increasingly indebted to Indian moneylenders during the colonial period?
What was a significant social impact of Indian laborers migrating to Burma during the British colonial era?
What was a significant social impact of Indian laborers migrating to Burma during the British colonial era?
How did British ownership of transportation infrastructure, such as railways and steamboats, affect the Burmese economy?
How did British ownership of transportation infrastructure, such as railways and steamboats, affect the Burmese economy?
What does the account by the British official in 1941 suggest about the effect of British colonization on the Burmese people?
What does the account by the British official in 1941 suggest about the effect of British colonization on the Burmese people?
How did the colonial status quo affect the Burmese nationalist movement?
How did the colonial status quo affect the Burmese nationalist movement?
What was the significance of Rangoon exceeding New York City as the greatest immigration port in the world during the early 20th century?
What was the significance of Rangoon exceeding New York City as the greatest immigration port in the world during the early 20th century?
How did British residents in India-Burma primarily maintain their cultural identity?
How did British residents in India-Burma primarily maintain their cultural identity?
According to David Cannadine, what was the basis of the British Empire?
According to David Cannadine, what was the basis of the British Empire?
What was a common practice among unmarried British men in India-Burma?
What was a common practice among unmarried British men in India-Burma?
Which event significantly increased the demand for rice in Europe, leading to its becoming Myanmar's main export?
Which event significantly increased the demand for rice in Europe, leading to its becoming Myanmar's main export?
What was a long-term consequence of the British colonial economic policies on Burmese society?
What was a long-term consequence of the British colonial economic policies on Burmese society?
What initial effect did British colonization have on Burma's economy regarding foreign trade?
What initial effect did British colonization have on Burma's economy regarding foreign trade?
In what way did the scale of Indian immigration to Burma during the early 20th century affect the local population?
In what way did the scale of Indian immigration to Burma during the early 20th century affect the local population?
What primarily characterized the image that the English people aimed to uphold in communities like India-Burma under British rule?
What primarily characterized the image that the English people aimed to uphold in communities like India-Burma under British rule?
Which of the following best describes the administration of the 'Frontier Areas' in British Burma?
Which of the following best describes the administration of the 'Frontier Areas' in British Burma?
What was the primary economic consequence for Burmese farmers after the opening of the Suez Canal and the increased demand for rice?
What was the primary economic consequence for Burmese farmers after the opening of the Suez Canal and the increased demand for rice?
How did the British maintain a relationship with China after annexing Upper Burma?
How did the British maintain a relationship with China after annexing Upper Burma?
Which of the following best describes the composition of the civil service and military in British Burma?
Which of the following best describes the composition of the civil service and military in British Burma?
What was a significant factor contributing to the Third Burmese War, according to George Webb?
What was a significant factor contributing to the Third Burmese War, according to George Webb?
How did the British respond to continued resistance in northern Burma after the official end of the war?
How did the British respond to continued resistance in northern Burma after the official end of the war?
What was the economic impact of British rule on the Burmese people, despite overall economic growth in Burma?
What was the economic impact of British rule on the Burmese people, despite overall economic growth in Burma?
What lasting impact has Burma's historical experience of being caught between a desire for isolation and external pressures had on its national character?
What lasting impact has Burma's historical experience of being caught between a desire for isolation and external pressures had on its national character?
What was the status of intermarriage between Europeans and Burmese during British rule?
What was the status of intermarriage between Europeans and Burmese during British rule?
What was the main reason why Burma was 'grafted onto India' by the British?
What was the main reason why Burma was 'grafted onto India' by the British?
How did the separation of religion and state impact traditional Burmese society under British rule?
How did the separation of religion and state impact traditional Burmese society under British rule?
What was the initial administrative structure of Burma after it became a province of India in 1886?
What was the initial administrative structure of Burma after it became a province of India in 1886?
How did the British perceive the economic potential of Upper Burma and what impact did this have?
How did the British perceive the economic potential of Upper Burma and what impact did this have?
What motivated George Orwell to write 'Burmese Days'?
What motivated George Orwell to write 'Burmese Days'?
What was the primary reason behind the increase in 'dacoity' (armed robbery) in Burmese villages?
What was the primary reason behind the increase in 'dacoity' (armed robbery) in Burmese villages?
What was a significant consequence of the Suez Canal's opening in 1868 regarding the British community in India?
What was a significant consequence of the Suez Canal's opening in 1868 regarding the British community in India?
Which of the following best describes the health challenges faced by Englishmen in Burma during the colonial period?
Which of the following best describes the health challenges faced by Englishmen in Burma during the colonial period?
Sir J. George Scott is best known for what contribution to the understanding of Burmese culture?
Sir J. George Scott is best known for what contribution to the understanding of Burmese culture?
What did Rudyard Kipling find most striking during his visit to the Pegu Club in Rangoon?
What did Rudyard Kipling find most striking during his visit to the Pegu Club in Rangoon?
What determined membership in the Pegu Club during its peak in the early 20th century?
What determined membership in the Pegu Club during its peak in the early 20th century?
What was the primary purpose of the British building hill stations in India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Burma?
What was the primary purpose of the British building hill stations in India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Burma?
The location of the Pegu Club in Rangoon, as described in the Imperial Gazetteer of India, provided easy access to what?
The location of the Pegu Club in Rangoon, as described in the Imperial Gazetteer of India, provided easy access to what?
What does George Orwell's “Burmese Days” reveal about clubs like the Pegu Club?
What does George Orwell's “Burmese Days” reveal about clubs like the Pegu Club?
What was the primary reason for the 1936 university student strike that led to the expulsion of Aung San and Ko Nu?
What was the primary reason for the 1936 university student strike that led to the expulsion of Aung San and Ko Nu?
Based on the information provided, how did the British perceive the areas beyond the established city limits of Rangoon?
Based on the information provided, how did the British perceive the areas beyond the established city limits of Rangoon?
What was the main goal of Saya San's rebellion in 1930-32?
What was the main goal of Saya San's rebellion in 1930-32?
What was the initial function of hill stations when they were first established by the British?
What was the initial function of hill stations when they were first established by the British?
Which factor primarily contributed to the widespread support for Saya San's rebellion among the peasants of southern Myanmar?
Which factor primarily contributed to the widespread support for Saya San's rebellion among the peasants of southern Myanmar?
According to Thant Myint-U, what was a significant long-term consequence of the colonial experience in Burma?
According to Thant Myint-U, what was a significant long-term consequence of the colonial experience in Burma?
What does the mention of the Straits Times article from 1916 suggest about the Pegu Club's role in British colonial activities?
What does the mention of the Straits Times article from 1916 suggest about the Pegu Club's role in British colonial activities?
How did the British respond to the growing unrest and demands for reform in Burma during the 1930s?
How did the British respond to the growing unrest and demands for reform in Burma during the 1930s?
What was the significance of the 'Htaung thoun ya byei ayeidawbon' (the '1300 Revolution')?
What was the significance of the 'Htaung thoun ya byei ayeidawbon' (the '1300 Revolution')?
What does the text imply about the British approach to disease prevention and treatment in colonial Burma?
What does the text imply about the British approach to disease prevention and treatment in colonial Burma?
How did British colonial rule impact Burma's economy?
How did British colonial rule impact Burma's economy?
How did the British justify their presence and actions in Myanmar, as suggested in the text?
How did the British justify their presence and actions in Myanmar, as suggested in the text?
What role did Ba Maw play in the events described?
What role did Ba Maw play in the events described?
What is the significance of Rangoon's colonial architecture?
What is the significance of Rangoon's colonial architecture?
What can be inferred about the relationship between the British and local populations outside of Rangoon, based on the description of the Pegu Club and its surroundings?
What can be inferred about the relationship between the British and local populations outside of Rangoon, based on the description of the Pegu Club and its surroundings?
How are the years of democracy immediately following British rule viewed in Burmese history?
How are the years of democracy immediately following British rule viewed in Burmese history?
Which best describes Saya San before he became the leader of the anti-British rebellion?
Which best describes Saya San before he became the leader of the anti-British rebellion?
What was the primary reason for Burmese resentment towards Indian migrants during British rule?
What was the primary reason for Burmese resentment towards Indian migrants during British rule?
What does the anecdote about ladies being warned to watch out for snakes when exiting the Pegu Club suggest about the club's environment?
What does the anecdote about ladies being warned to watch out for snakes when exiting the Pegu Club suggest about the club's environment?
How did Saya San attempt to legitimize his rebellion against British rule?
How did Saya San attempt to legitimize his rebellion against British rule?
Why was the separation of Burma Province from British India in 1937 a divisive issue among the Burmese?
Why was the separation of Burma Province from British India in 1937 a divisive issue among the Burmese?
What characterized the early actions of Burmese nationalists and patriots in the late 19th century?
What characterized the early actions of Burmese nationalists and patriots in the late 19th century?
Why were religious associations like the Young Men's Buddhist Associations (YMBA) initially permitted by colonial authorities?
Why were religious associations like the Young Men's Buddhist Associations (YMBA) initially permitted by colonial authorities?
What tactic did Saya San's 'Galon Army' employ, similar to the Boxers of China, in their fight against the British?
What tactic did Saya San's 'Galon Army' employ, similar to the Boxers of China, in their fight against the British?
What was the significance of the university students' strike in 1920?
What was the significance of the university students' strike in 1920?
What direct action led to the event that is commemorated as 'Bo Aung Kyaw Day'?
What direct action led to the event that is commemorated as 'Bo Aung Kyaw Day'?
Which of the following best describes the impact of Saya San's rebellion on British rule in Myanmar?
Which of the following best describes the impact of Saya San's rebellion on British rule in Myanmar?
What was the primary goal of the 'National Schools' that emerged in Burma?
What was the primary goal of the 'National Schools' that emerged in Burma?
What happened to U Saw after he replaced Ba Maw as prime minister in 1939?
What happened to U Saw after he replaced Ba Maw as prime minister in 1939?
What impact did the world depression of the 1930s have on Burmese nationalism?
What impact did the world depression of the 1930s have on Burmese nationalism?
In what region did the first outbreak of violence related to the Saya San rebellion occur?
In what region did the first outbreak of violence related to the Saya San rebellion occur?
How did the Saya San rebellion impact the Thakin movement?
How did the Saya San rebellion impact the Thakin movement?
After the collapse of his revolt, where was Saya San captured?
After the collapse of his revolt, where was Saya San captured?
Who did the members of the Dobama Asiayone (We Burmans Association) proclaim to be the true masters of the country?
Who did the members of the Dobama Asiayone (We Burmans Association) proclaim to be the true masters of the country?
What was the significance of U Wisara's death?
What was the significance of U Wisara's death?
What action was Saya San initially protesting when his local tax protest grew into a national rebellion?
What action was Saya San initially protesting when his local tax protest grew into a national rebellion?
What name was given to the Saya San rebellion, referencing a mythical bird?
What name was given to the Saya San rebellion, referencing a mythical bird?
What environmental challenge did hill stations often face due to their location and development?
What environmental challenge did hill stations often face due to their location and development?
Which of the following most accurately describes the social atmosphere prevalent in the hill stations?
Which of the following most accurately describes the social atmosphere prevalent in the hill stations?
How did the British colonial administration's focus on economic gains impact Burmese farmers after the opening of the Suez Canal?
How did the British colonial administration's focus on economic gains impact Burmese farmers after the opening of the Suez Canal?
What was a common hardship faced by missionaries in India-Burma, as noted in the provided content?
What was a common hardship faced by missionaries in India-Burma, as noted in the provided content?
What long-term consequence did British colonial policies have on Burmese society structure?
What long-term consequence did British colonial policies have on Burmese society structure?
How did the opening of the Suez Canal affect the economic landscape of Burma during British colonial rule?
How did the opening of the Suez Canal affect the economic landscape of Burma during British colonial rule?
Which of the following was NOT a common feature or activity found in the British hill stations of Asia?
Which of the following was NOT a common feature or activity found in the British hill stations of Asia?
How did British missionaries primarily seek to influence the local population in India-Burma?
How did British missionaries primarily seek to influence the local population in India-Burma?
What was the intended purpose of constructing hill stations on ridge tops, despite the challenges it posed?
What was the intended purpose of constructing hill stations on ridge tops, despite the challenges it posed?
According to Ben Macintyre, what role did Britain play in Burma's history?
According to Ben Macintyre, what role did Britain play in Burma's history?
What does George Orwell suggest about the motivations behind imperial endeavors?
What does George Orwell suggest about the motivations behind imperial endeavors?
Besides malaria and cholera, what other environmental challenges did missionaries in India-Burma commonly face?
Besides malaria and cholera, what other environmental challenges did missionaries in India-Burma commonly face?
How did the British address resistance in northern Myanmar after the final Anglo-Burma war?
How did the British address resistance in northern Myanmar after the final Anglo-Burma war?
What was a common perception of people who lived in hill stations above 7,000 feet, according to a journalist?
What was a common perception of people who lived in hill stations above 7,000 feet, according to a journalist?
What does the provided text suggest about the traditional modes of transportation to hill stations in the early days?
What does the provided text suggest about the traditional modes of transportation to hill stations in the early days?
What was a primary reason for the conflict between Burma and the East India Company in the 18th century?
What was a primary reason for the conflict between Burma and the East India Company in the 18th century?
What was the significance of Alaungpaya in Burmese history?
What was the significance of Alaungpaya in Burmese history?
Prior to British colonization, what best describes the balance of power between the king and the Hluttaw in the Konbaung Dynasty?
Prior to British colonization, what best describes the balance of power between the king and the Hluttaw in the Konbaung Dynasty?
How did the British alter the traditional role of Buddhist monks in Burmese society after colonization?
How did the British alter the traditional role of Buddhist monks in Burmese society after colonization?
What was the primary goal of the British colonial government in establishing a secular education system in Burma?
What was the primary goal of the British colonial government in establishing a secular education system in Burma?
What was the purpose of the British 'strategic hamlet' strategy implemented in Burmese villages?
What was the purpose of the British 'strategic hamlet' strategy implemented in Burmese villages?
What was a prevailing attitude among British administrators towards Burma during the colonial period?
What was a prevailing attitude among British administrators towards Burma during the colonial period?
Which product constituted a significant portion of Burma's exports under British rule?
Which product constituted a significant portion of Burma's exports under British rule?
How did British economic policies fundamentally change the Burmese economy?
How did British economic policies fundamentally change the Burmese economy?
What was one of the most immediate environmental consequences of British economic exploitation in Burma?
What was one of the most immediate environmental consequences of British economic exploitation in Burma?
How did the British colonization impact the traditional Burmese social structure and patronage system?
How did the British colonization impact the traditional Burmese social structure and patronage system?
Besides exploiting natural resources, what other significant change did the British bring to Burma's labor force?
Besides exploiting natural resources, what other significant change did the British bring to Burma's labor force?
Before British colonization, how were important commodity prices generally determined in the traditional Burmese economy?
Before British colonization, how were important commodity prices generally determined in the traditional Burmese economy?
What best describes the initial British attitude toward engaging with Burma before colonization?
What best describes the initial British attitude toward engaging with Burma before colonization?
Which statement best describes the relationship between the British colonial government and Buddhist monks in Burma?
Which statement best describes the relationship between the British colonial government and Buddhist monks in Burma?
Flashcards
British Rule in Burma
British Rule in Burma
The period from 1824 to 1948 when Burma was under British control, encompassing Anglo-Burmese Wars and colonial administration.
Anglo-Burmese Wars
Anglo-Burmese Wars
Three conflicts (1825, 1852, 1885) that led to Burma's conquest and transformation into a British colony.
Burma Becomes a Colony
Burma Becomes a Colony
January 1, 1886, the date when Burma officially became a British colony.
Burma as Part of India
Burma as Part of India
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Burma as a Crown Colony
Burma as a Crown Colony
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First Annexed Territories
First Annexed Territories
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Annexation of Lower Burma
Annexation of Lower Burma
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Independence of Burma
Independence of Burma
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Divisions of British Burma
Divisions of British Burma
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Frontier Areas
Frontier Areas
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Impact on Burmese Society
Impact on Burmese Society
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Anglo-Burmese
Anglo-Burmese
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Tribute to China
Tribute to China
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Chettiars
Chettiars
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Dacoity
Dacoity
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Wealth Distribution
Wealth Distribution
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Civil Service Staffing
Civil Service Staffing
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Incompatibility with India
Incompatibility with India
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Motives for Annexation
Motives for Annexation
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King Theebaw's Role
King Theebaw's Role
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'Burmese Way'
'Burmese Way'
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Burma's Dilemma
Burma's Dilemma
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Burmese Rice
Burmese Rice
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Population Shift in Burma
Population Shift in Burma
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Indian Moneylenders
Indian Moneylenders
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Indian Labor Migration
Indian Labor Migration
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British-Owned Railways
British-Owned Railways
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Burma's Exportation
Burma's Exportation
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British Official's Account (1941)
British Official's Account (1941)
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Indian and Chinese Immigration
Indian and Chinese Immigration
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British Infrastructure Projects
British Infrastructure Projects
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Burmese Nationalist Movement
Burmese Nationalist Movement
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U Ottama and U Wizaya
U Ottama and U Wizaya
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Rangoon, Akyab, Bassein, Moulmein
Rangoon, Akyab, Bassein, Moulmein
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Burmese Racism
Burmese Racism
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Invention of the Steam Ship
Invention of the Steam Ship
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Ornamentalism
Ornamentalism
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Konbaung Dynasty
Konbaung Dynasty
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Alaungpaya
Alaungpaya
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Burmese Imperialism
Burmese Imperialism
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Hluttaw
Hluttaw
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British Governance Changes
British Governance Changes
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Secular Education System
Secular Education System
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"Strategic Hamlet" Strategy
"Strategic Hamlet" Strategy
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British as New Elite
British as New Elite
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Indian Laborers
Indian Laborers
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Traditional Burmese Economy
Traditional Burmese Economy
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Colonial Export Economy
Colonial Export Economy
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Irrawaddy Delta
Irrawaddy Delta
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King Thibaw
King Thibaw
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British new Province
British new Province
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British Arrival
British Arrival
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Aung San and Ko Nu
Aung San and Ko Nu
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Hill Stations
Hill Stations
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All Burma Students Union (ABSU)
All Burma Students Union (ABSU)
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Saya San
Saya San
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Hill Station Amenities
Hill Station Amenities
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Hill Station Life
Hill Station Life
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Galon Army
Galon Army
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Malaria and Cholera
Malaria and Cholera
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Ba Maw
Ba Maw
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Missionary Schools
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U Saw
U Saw
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British Guerilla Tactics
British Guerilla Tactics
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Htaung thoun ya byei ayeidawbon
Htaung thoun ya byei ayeidawbon
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Exploitative Lending
Exploitative Lending
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Aung Kyaw
Aung Kyaw
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Burma as a "Lucrative Sideline"
Burma as a "Lucrative Sideline"
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Bo Aung Kyaw Day
Bo Aung Kyaw Day
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British Removal of Monarchy
British Removal of Monarchy
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1937
1937
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Rise of Burmese Militarism
Rise of Burmese Militarism
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Deforestations' Impact
Deforestations' Impact
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Peasant Discontent
Peasant Discontent
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Invulnerability belief
Invulnerability belief
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Closed Room
Closed Room
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New Constitution
New Constitution
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Missionary Hardships
Missionary Hardships
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Missionary Protection
Missionary Protection
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Expulsion of Students
Expulsion of Students
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Burmese Farmers
Burmese Farmers
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British Women in India
British Women in India
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High Mortality Rate
High Mortality Rate
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Unhealthy habits
Unhealthy habits
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Lasting British Influence
Lasting British Influence
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Sir J. George Scott
Sir J. George Scott
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The Pegu Club
The Pegu Club
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Pegu Club location
Pegu Club location
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South of Pegu Club Location
South of Pegu Club Location
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North of Pegu Club Location
North of Pegu Club Location
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Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling
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Pegu club intention
Pegu club intention
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Pegu Club membership
Pegu Club membership
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Pegu Club discrimination
Pegu Club discrimination
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British Hill Stations
British Hill Stations
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Simla
Simla
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Colonial Impact on Burma
Colonial Impact on Burma
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Burma's Colonial Economy
Burma's Colonial Economy
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Burma's 'Golden Age'
Burma's 'Golden Age'
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Origins of Burmese Nationalism
Origins of Burmese Nationalism
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Indian Migration Impact
Indian Migration Impact
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Young Men's Buddhist Associations (YMBA)
Young Men's Buddhist Associations (YMBA)
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London-Educated Leaders
London-Educated Leaders
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1920 University Strike
1920 University Strike
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Monk Activism
Monk Activism
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Dobama Asiayone
Dobama Asiayone
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Saya San Rebellion
Saya San Rebellion
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Rebellion's Leadership Impact
Rebellion's Leadership Impact
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1936 Strike Significance
1936 Strike Significance
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Aung San
Aung San
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British Burma
British Burma
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Study Notes
- British rule in Burma spanned from 1824 to 1948, encompassing the Anglo-Burmese Wars, its status as a British Indian province, and its journey to independence.
- Through three Anglo-Burmese Wars (1825, 1852, 1885), Burma was conquered and transformed it into a British colony from 1886.
- From 1919 to 1937, the British governed Burma as part of India, after which Burma became a crown colony of Britain.
- Britain utilized Burma as a buffer zone between India and the rest of Asia.
- The British named the country Burma after the dominant ethnic group, the Burmans, referring to it initially as "Further India."
- Burmese terms for the country were "myanma naing ngan" (source of Myanmar) and colloquially "bama pyi" (country of Burma), with the latter persisting in the national anthem.
- The British adopted "Burma," reportedly similar to "Birmania," the name given by Portuguese traders.
- Different Burmese territories were annexed at varying times, starting with Tenasserim and Arakan in 1826 after the First Anglo-Burmese War.
- The delta region, including Rangoon (Lower Burma), was annexed in 1852 following the Second Anglo-Burmese War.
- In 1862, the annexed territories became the minor province of British Burma within British India.
- Upper Burma fell in 1885, and the last monarch, King Thibaw, was exiled to India.
- In 1897, Burma became a major province (Lieutenant-Governorship) within British India.
- This arrangement lasted until 1937 when Burma was administered separately by the Burma Office.
- Burma gained independence from British rule on January 4, 1948.
- Burma is referred to as the Scottish Colony due to Scotsmen's significant role in colonizing and administering the country.
- George Orwell's experience serving in the Indian Imperial Police in Burma inspired his novel "Burmese Days."
Divisions of British Burma after 1885:
- Ministerial Burma (Burma proper) was one of the divisions.
- Tenasserim Division included Toungoo, Thaton, Amherst, Salween, Tavoy, and Mergui Districts.
- Arakan Division comprised Akyab, Northern Arakan/Arakan Hill Tracts, Kyaukpyu, and Sandoway Districts.
- Pegu Division consisted of Rangoon City, Hanthawaddy, Pegu, Tharrawaddy, and Prome Districts.
- Irrawaddy Division included Bassein, Henzada, Thayetmyo, Maubin, Myaungmya, and Pyapon Districts.
- Scheduled Areas (Frontier Areas) made up another division.
- Shan States were also part of the divisions.
- Chin Hills formed another division.
- Kachin tracts were included in the divisions.
- The "Frontier Areas," administered separately by the British and inhabited by ethnic minorities.
Impact of British Rule:
- In 1886, Britain made Burma a province of India with its capital at Rangoon and began a period of economic growth.
- Traditional Burmese society experienced drastic changes through the demise of the monarchy and the separation of religion and state.
- Resistance continued in northern Burma until 1890, with the British destroying villages and appointing new officials.
- Intermarriage between Europeans and Burmese created the Anglo-Burmese community that dominated colonial society.
- After taking over Burma, Britain maintained the payment of tribute to China.
- In 1886, China recognized Britain's occupation of Upper Burma, while Britain continued Burmese tribute payments.
- The opening of the Suez Canal increased demand for Burmese rice.
- Farmers were forced to borrow money from Indian moneylenders (chettiars) at high interest rates, leading to foreclosures and evictions.
- Most jobs went to indentured Indian laborers, leading to villages resorting to armed robbery.
- While the Burmese economy grew, the power and wealth remained primarily with British firms and Indian migrants.
- The civil service was largely staffed by Anglo-Burmese and Indians, excluding Burmese from military service.
- The inability of the Burmese people to thrive despite economic prosperity is depicted in George Orwell's novel Burmese Days.
British Perspectives and Motives:
- Burma was grafted onto India despite incompatibilities and a lack of a "Burma lobby" in Britain.
- British strategic considerations and the illusion of a trade route to Chinese Yunnan influenced the annexation.
- King Theebaw's actions made Burma an "intolerable adjacent state" for British India.
- Burma's traditionalism clashed with the dynamic British India, leading to its surrender in 1885.
- Burma's tragedy was its inability to repel external pressures due to its self-centered, conservative nature.
- Burmese imperialism in the 18th century led to conflicts with the East India Company and surrender in 1885.
- Alaungpaya, founder of the Konbaung dynasty, resisted the Mons in 1752, expanding Burma but eventually leading to conflict with the British.
- Initially, the British were wary of engaging with Burma due to its perceived large population and armies.
Governmental Changes Under British Rule:
- The British implemented direct rule, abolishing the monarchy, exiling King Thibaw, and separating church and state, impacting the Buddhist monks' support.
- A secular education system was introduced, discouraging Buddhism and traditional culture.
- The British implemented a "strategic hamlet" strategy, burning villages and replacing headmen with approved individuals.
- Burmese individuals considered criminals were denied fair trials under British rule.
Economic Exploitation and Transformation:
- Burma was seen as a backwater despite being the wealthiest Southeast Asian country under British rule.
- The British exploited resources like teak and rice, turning southern Burma into a major rice exporting region.
- George Orwell noted that by 1924, the Irrawaddy Delta led Burma's rice exports, constituting half the world's supply.
- The wealthy class patronized monasteries was broken, replaced by the British elite.
- Indian laborers were brought in, leading to large Indian communities in Yangon and Mandalay.
- The traditional Burmese economy, based on redistribution, was tied to global market forces and colonial exports.
- The British exploited the Irrawaddy delta for rice production, cleared mangrove forests, and shifted population concentration.
- Farmers borrowed capital from Indian moneylenders at high interest rates, leading to foreclosures.
- Indian laborers displaced Burmese farmers, leading to increased crime.
- Industrialization, including railways and steamboats, was owned by the British, increasing transportation costs for Burmese goods.
- Burma was thrown into a world of exportation, resulting in the exportation of a considerable proportion of the country's resource and to progressive impoverishment"
Colonial Society and Culture:
- Large numbers of Indians were brought in as civil servants, and Chinese immigrants were encouraged to stimulate trade.
- The British built railways and ports, with companies trading in teak and rice.
- Burmese were unhappy with the colonial status quo, leading to demonstrations led by Buddhist monks.
- Indian immigration to Burma occurred at a rate of a quarter million per year at the beginning of the 20th century, peaking in 1927.
- In the largest cities, Indian immigrants formed a majority of the population, leading to Burmese racism.
- Burma was seen as a backwater, with Britons maintaining their customs and rule.
- The British Empire transplanted its class system abroad, emphasizing tradition, order, and hierarchy, described as "ornamentalism."
- Most British residents were male, attending parties with dancing girls, with unmarried men keeping local mistresses-housekeepers.
- After the Suez Canal opened, more married English men and women arrived, making the British community more insular.
- Many Englishmen died from diseases, while others suffered from exotic illnesses. Method in treating and avoiding disease left a lot to be desired.
- Myanmar still uses English accounting systems and legal systems.
- Sir J. George Scott studied and recorded the habits of ethnic groups in northern Burma.
- The Pegu Club in Rangoon was a popular spot for British soldiers and officials, replicating England in foreign lands.
- Membership was restricted to whites only, with rank, wealth, and birth being irrelevant.
- The Prince of Wales dined at the Pegu Club in 1922.
- George Orwell's "Burmese Days" revealed the garrison mentality of such clubs.
- The Pegu Club became the sidelines from which the empire was run.
Hill Stations and Missionary Activities:
- In India and Burma, the English gentry would flee to hill stations.
- The hill stations were built as sanatoriums and convalescent centers.
- One journalist described hill station life as "ball after ball, each followed by a little backbiting."
- Missionaries endured hardships and had little success converting the local population.
- Setting up schools was the primary activity of missionaries.
Late Colonial Period and Nationalist Movement:
- The end of the monarchy and the separation of church and state altered Myanmar society.
- British intervention destroyed the structure of traditional Burmese society.
- Ben Macintyre highlights the exploitative British colonial rule as a source of shame.
- Aung San Suu Kyi's campaign for democracy is understood against Burma's history.
- According to Thant Myint-U, the colonial experience fractured Burmese society, encouraging dictatorship.
- Burma boomed under British rule, becoming the world's largest rice exporter.
- Colonial architecture in Rangoon speaks of a flourishing metropolis.
- The British did not move in large numbers to Burma.
- Indian workers migrated there and competed with the local Burmese for jobs.
- Burmese nationalism and patriotism arose in the late 19th century, supported by Buddhist monks.
- World War II and the Japanese occupation were politically oppressive.
Rise of Burmese Nationalism:
- The Young Men's Buddhist Associations (YMBA) were the earlier form of Burmese Nationalism, modeled after the YMCA.
- The General Council of Burmese Associations (GCBA) was superseded by the YMBA.
- Between 1900 and 1911 the "Irish Buddhist" U Dhammaloka publicly challenged Christianity and imperial power, leading to two trials for sedition.
- A new generation of Burmese leaders arose in the early twentieth century from amongst the educated classes that were permitted to go to London to study law.
- Progressive constitutional reform in the early 1920s led to a legislature with limited powers, a university and more autonomy for Burma within the administration of India.
- In 1920 the first university students' strike protested against the University Act which the students believed would only benefit the elite and perpetuate colonial rule.
Saya San Rebellion:
- Saya San became the leader of the rebellion after a peasant uprising brutally suppressed by the British.
- The objectives of Saya San was to unite the people and expel the British invader.
- Saya San organized peasant discontent and declared himself the future king.
- The causes of the Saya San rebellion was attributed to be economic.
- The peasants of southern Myanmar had been dispossessed by Indian moneylenders.
- Widespread support for Saya San betrayed the precarious and unpopular position of British rule in Myanmar.
- Ba Maw served as a lawyer of Saya San and rose to prominence.
Strikes and Protests:
- A wave of strikes and protests that started from the oilfields of central Burma in 1938 became a general strike with far-reaching consequences.
- Students held protest at the Secretariat in Rangoon which was met by the British.
- In Mandalay, the police shot into a crowd of protesters, killing people.
- Aung Kyaw Day is commemorated by students on December 20.
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Description
Explore the strategic importance of Burma to British India during colonial rule, including annexation timelines and administrative changes. Discover the end of the Burmese monarchy and the establishment of British control. Learn about the anglicization of Burma and the role of Scottish individuals in its colonization.
