1885: Third Anglo-Burmese War; Upper Burma annexed by British Raj - Scroll Down for more details

The Fall of the Konbaung Dynasty: The Third Anglo-Burmese War and the Annexation of Upper Burma (1885)

Content:

The year 1885 marked a pivotal moment in the history of Burma (modern-day Myanmar) as the Third Anglo-Burmese War culminated in the annexation of Upper Burma by the British Raj. This event not only ended the independence of the Konbaung Dynasty, which had ruled Burma since 1752, but also brought the entirety of Burma under British colonial control.

Background:

By the mid-19th century, the British Empire had already established a strong foothold in Lower Burma following the First Anglo-Burmese War (1824-1826) and the Second Anglo-Burmese War (1852-1853). These conflicts had resulted in the British annexation of Arakan, Tenasserim, and Pegu, effectively controlling the southern regions of Burma. However, Upper Burma, ruled by the Konbaung Dynasty, remained independent, though increasingly isolated and weakened.

Tensions between the British and the Burmese monarchy escalated due to several factors: 1. Economic Interests: The British sought to secure trade routes to China and exploit Burma's rich natural resources, particularly teak and rubies. 2. Political Instability: The Konbaung Dynasty was struggling with internal dissent and economic decline, making it vulnerable to external pressures. 3. Diplomatic Missteps: King Thibaw, who ascended the throne in 1878, pursued policies that alienated the British, including favoring French interests and refusing to comply with British demands.

The Spark for War:

The immediate cause of the Third Anglo-Burmese War was the "Great Shoe Question." King Thibaw insisted that British envoys remove their shoes when entering his palace, a demand seen as disrespectful by the British. More significantly, Thibaw's government imposed heavy fines on the Bombay-Burma Trading Corporation, a British company, for alleged illegal logging. The British used this as a pretext to justify military intervention.

The War:

In November 1885, British forces, led by General Harry Prendergast, launched a swift and decisive campaign. The Burmese army, ill-equipped and poorly organized, was no match for the modern British military. Within weeks, the British captured Mandalay, the royal capital, and deposed King Thibaw. The royal family was exiled to India, marking the end of the Konbaung Dynasty.

Annexation of Upper Burma:

On January 1, 1886, Upper Burma was formally annexed by the British Raj, and Burma was incorporated into British India as a province. The annexation was met with resistance from Burmese guerrillas, who waged a protracted insurgency against British rule. This resistance, known as the "Pacification Campaign," lasted for several years and was marked by brutal suppression by British forces.

Consequences:

1. Colonial Rule: Burma became a province of British India, and its administration was reorganized to serve British economic and strategic interests.
2. Cultural Impact: The British dismantled traditional Burmese institutions, including the monarchy and the Buddhist monastic system, leading to significant social and cultural upheaval.
3. Economic Exploitation: British policies prioritized resource extraction and infrastructure development for trade, often at the expense of local populations.
4. Nationalism: The annexation sowed the seeds of Burmese nationalism, which would later fuel movements for independence in the 20th century.

The Third Anglo-Burmese War and the annexation of Upper Burma marked the end of Burmese sovereignty and the beginning of a new era of colonial domination. It was a turning point that reshaped the political, social, and economic landscape of Burma, leaving a legacy that continues to influence the country to this day.