Colonial Period

Chapter 5: Colonial Period

5-1: Conditions of Burma During the British Period

• British Rule Initiation

  • First invasion led to the British ruling Rakhine and Tanintharyi under Bengal's Governor.

  • Second Invasion resulted in the British conquering Lower Burma and appointing a minister.

  • Post Third Invasion, all of Burma was incorporated into the British Empire with a Deputy Governor.

• Administrative Structure

  • A bureaucratic administration was established along with a High Commissioner for elder succession management.

  • Burma divided into hilly and flat areas for colonial administration purposes.

  • Administrative departments expanded for efficient governance.

  • Diarchy Administration introduced in 1923, a joint administration of British government and Burmese parliament.

  • Under Government of Burma Act (1935), Burma separated from India with 91 departments managed by Burmese representatives, led by the governor.

5-2: Economic Conditions Under British Rule

• Capitalist Economy

  • Major businesses owned by British government and foreign capitalists, with rice farming as the primary activity.

  • Post-Suez Canal: Rice trade increased; British encouraged rice cultivation expansion.

  • Farmers borrowed from Indian 'Chittis,' leading to land loss due to high interest rates.

  • Other economic activities included oil, metal, wood, and rubber industries.

• Infrastructure Development

  • Roads, railways, and waterways improved to support capitalist economic systems.

  • Economic conditions overall improved but primarily benefited foreign capitalists, neglecting local farmers.

5-3: Lifestyle Changes During Colonial Era

• Shift from Feudalism to Capitalism

  • Influx of foreign laborers from India and China undercut local workers' wages.

  • Transition from rural to urban life altered societal structures and led to the emergence of modern educated classes.

  • British influence changed religious beliefs, clothing styles, and traditional practices.

  • Establishment of hospitals (e.g., Yangon General, Dufferin) benefitted urban areas but rural areas remained underserved.

  • Health conditions improved compared to feudal times, yet high death rates persisted in rural areas.

5-4: Educational Developments During Colonial Period

• Colonial Education System

  • Education was tailored to support British rule and administration needs.

  • Decline of monastic schools; growth of modern education and vocational training.

  • Three types of educational institutions: English schools, bilingual schools, and traditional schools.

  • Establishment of Yangon University in 1920 after merging colleges.

5-5: Literature and Art in Colonial Period

• Emergence of Print Culture

  • British-set printing presses allowed the publication of books and newspapers.

  • Growth of literary genres: novels and playwriting became popular.

  • Prominent literary figures: James Hla Kyaw, U Bo Zaw.

  • Rise of nationalist and anti-colonial literature; significant contributions from 'Na Ga Ni' library.

• Art Evolution

  • Different painting styles emerged: traditional Burmese, gold, and lacquer painting.

  • Influence of Western art principles on traditional practices.

  • Music began to incorporate Western styles; emergence of patriotic songs.

  • Puppetry and traditional performing arts became popular during this time.

5-6: Nationalism Awakens Under Colonial Rule

• Formation of Associations

  • Religious associations emerged to protect Buddhism under British rule.

  • YMBA founded in 1906 aimed at national, religious, and educational advancement.

  • Actions included protests against social inequalities faced by Burmese against colonial practices.

• GCBA Developments

  • YMBA evolved into the GCBA, focusing on self-governance and empowering ethnic businesses.

  • Supported student strikes and established national schools.

5-7: The Independence Movement

• Thirty Comrades and the Fight for Independence

  • Key figures like Thakin Aung San formed a resistance movement.

  • Bangkok Independence Army collaborated with Japanese forces during WWII, capturing key locations.

• Life Under the Fascist Regime

  • Declared independence was deceptive; real authority resided with Japanese fascists.

  • Economic hardships, social disintegration, and health crises intensified under fascist control.

5-8: Achieving Independence

• Panglong Conference and Independence Treaty

  • Aung San negotiated the Panglong Treaty, securing cooperation between ethnic groups.

  • January 4, 1948, marked official independence with the lowering of the British flag and the rise of Myanmar’s flag.

• Post-Independence Celebrations

  • Independence Day celebrated annually to commemorate freedom from colonial control.