Anglo-Burmese Relations: Conflicts and Consequences | Studento

Anglo-Burmese Relations: A Historical Overview

First Burma War (1824–1826): A War of Expansion and Diplomacy

The war was triggered by Burmese expansion westward and occupation of Arakan and Manipur, threatening Assam and the Brahmaputra Valley.
The British expeditionary forces occupied Rangoon in May 1824, advancing 72 km from the capital at Ava.
Treaty of Yandabo (1826) established peace with the following terms:
- Burma was to pay one crore rupees as war compensation.
- Burma ceded its coastal provinces of Arakan and Tenasserim.
- Burma abandoned claims on Assam, Cachar, and Jaintia.
- Burma recognized Manipur as an independent state.
- Burma agreed to negotiate a commercial treaty with Britain.
- Burma accepted a British resident at Ava and agreed to post a Burmese envoy at Calcutta.

Second Burma War (1852): Imperial Ambitions and Resource Control

The war was driven by British commercial interests and imperialist policies under Lord Dalhousie.
British merchants sought control over upper Burma's timber resources and greater access to the Burmese market.
The British occupied Pegu, Burma's remaining coastal province, despite facing intense guerrilla resistance, and established control over lower Burma.

Third Burma War (1885): Annexation and Nationalism

After the death of King Bhindan, his son Thibaw ascended the throne and adopted a hostile stance toward the British.
Thibaw's actions included negotiating with rival powers and imposing a fine on a British timber company. This led to Lord Dufferin ordering the invasion and annexation of upper Burma in 1885.
The British faced a strong guerrilla uprising and a growing nationalist movement after World War I.
These events culminated in Burma's separation from India in 1935 and eventual independence on January 4, 1948, under the leadership of U Aung San.

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