Myanmar History (Chapter 1&3)
Page 1: Reforming Central Administration
The Decline of the Nyaung-yan Dynasty
Maha Damma Yaza Dipati's Leadership (1733–1752) marked the decline of the Nyaung-yan Dynasty.
After the attack on Innwa by Hanthawaddy soldiers led by Banya Dala in 1752, the dynasty was overthrown.
Myanmar was now divided into three groups:
Hanthawaddy Tribe: led by Banya Dala.
Gwe Shan Tribe: led by Gonnaein from Matara Oke Pho.
Myanmar Tribe: commanded by U Chit Nyo.
Following the fall of the Nyaung-yan monarchy, chaos ensued throughout Myanmar.
The Rise of U Aung Zeya
U Aung Zeya, leader of Moksoebo village, rallied people from 46 surrounding villages:
They constructed a palm fort to defend against attacks.
After defeating the Hanthawaddy forces by the end of 1752, he was honored with the title of Alaungpaya.
U Aung Zeya defeated Khin Oo U Chit Nyo's forces and the Gwe Shan led by Gonnaein, thereby establishing a region known as Yadana Thein Kha, also called Moksoebo (Shwebo).
Establishment of Central Authority
King Alaungpaya's forces took control of Innwa in 1753 and proceeded to the upper Ayeyarwady River.
Upon learning of the Hanthawaddy forces' takeover of Pyay City, Alaungpaya launched an army to reclaim territory and took control of several central Myanmar cities.
Page 2: Consolidation of Power
Expansion of Administrative Control
After conquering Innwa, Alaungpaya marched south:
The city Linsey was renamed Myan Aung City.
The king had authority over areas like Ka Naung, Hinthata, Danubyu, Pathein, etc.
In 1754, Alaungpaya successfully defeated Dagon, which was renamed Yangon.
His forces besieged Thanlyin in 1756, solidifying his position and leading to loyalty from Dawei and Nyang Shwe Sawbwas.
Restoration of the Central Government
Between 1752-1756, Alaungpaya's campaigns unified almost the entire nation:
He established a structured administration, appointing reliable ministers and chiefs across various towns.
Key positions, such as mayors and village chiefs, were filled to maintain law and order.
Page 3: Key Points of Alaungpaya’s Campaigns
Key Achievements
U Aung Zeya effectively defeated Hanthawaddy and rival tribes.
Troops moved up the Ayeyarwady River, achieving control in 1753.
Significant renaming of cities:
Dagon ➔ Yangon
Linsey ➔ Myan Aung City
Unification of the Shan State under Alaungpaya's leadership.
Created a stable and organized national government.
Territorial Expansion
March and Conquest of Thailand:
Alaung Mintayagyi and Hsinbyushin invaded Ayutthaya but faced setbacks. Alaung Mintayagyi fell ill and retreated in 1760.
Myaedu Min (Hsinbyushin) successfully captured Ayutthaya in April 1767.
Page 4: Military Campaigns Beyond Myanmar
Continued Military Influence
After Ayutthaya, the Myanmar army retreated, taking treasures and canons with them.
Following his coronation, Badon Min led five columns against Thailand but did not achieve success.
Conquest of Rakhine
In 1784, Rakhine chieftains approached Badon Min for assistance to solve court issues.
Crown Prince was sent to manage and subsequently occupy Rakhine.
Page 5: Confrontation with British Forces
Manipur and Assam Incidents
Expansion into Manipur and Assam occurred as Myanmar's power increased:
Manipur was under Alaung Mintayagyi's control since 1758.
In 1797, King Badon’s forces intervened in Assam after local conflicts led to instability.
These conquests sowed the seeds for future confrontations with British colonial interests.
Key Points Recap
Significant failures and successes characterized Alaung Mintayagyi and Myaedu Min’s campaigns against Thailand (1759-1767).
Badon Min marched against Thailand but failed various times during the conflicts.
The Myanmar kingdom's involvement in conflicts with neighboring territories laid the foundation for later British interest in Myanmar.
Page 6: Decline of Central Authority
Challenges to Konbaung Dynasty
Sagaing Min’s reign faced numerous challenges including:
Internal strife in the royal court.
Tensions with the British escalated.
Notable losses during the First Anglo-Myanmar War added to the decline.
Political instability grew as factions within the royal court, led by Queen Nanmadaw Me Nu and Prince Tharawaddy, divided the palace management.
The Rise of Rebellions
Bagan Min’s reign was marked by early rebellions and conspiracy:
The Second Anglo-Myanmar War began under his rule, significantly weakening the dynasty.
Infighting and assassination led to further instability in governance (e.g., Ka Naung’s death).
Page 7: Royal Court Divisions
Conflicts in Governance
Prince Thibaw’s ascension led to power struggles among factions:
Merde-Suphayalat group conflict with Kinwun Mingyi's faction.
The lack of unity in the royal court diminished the central authority and effectiveness.
Page 8: Colonial Myanmar's Administration
Transformation Under British Rule
Myanmar became a British colony on January 1, 1886, following multiple military engagements.
Government of the King: Post-war governance divided regions.
The Governor General's Administration overseeing Rakhine, Tanintharyi, and Bago began in 1862.
Page 9: Government Changes Post-War
New Administrative Structures
The British administration organized regions into prefectures under commissioners.
Districts established with traditional elders aiding in local governance.
The Deputy Governor’s Administration in 1897 implement organizing frameworks to manage governance.
Page 10: Diarchy Administration
A Shift in Governance
In 1923, Myanmar shifted to a diarchy system:
Joint administration by English officers and elected representatives.
Reforms increased local legislative powers subject to governor oversight.
The Legislative Council had a term limit and was partially elected.
Page 11: 91 Departments Administration
New Administrative Reforms
The Myanmar Administration Act of 1935: Established a separate governing body for Myanmar from India.
91 departments for governance were created, with a new legislative structure.
Major powers were retained by the governor, allowing for significant control over governance and legislation.
Page 12: Japanese Occupation
Shift in Governance
During 1942, after British withdrawal, the BIA government formed, ending with Japanese martial law.
Postwar British reoccupation and the introduction of a colonial administration marked the transition to recovery efforts for Myanmar.
Page 13: Key Notes Post-Colonial Transition
Colonial Administration
By the end of the 19th century, a significant transition from commissioners to a governor-rule solidified by military control.
Encouragement of commercial and agricultural development in favor of colonial interests.
Introduction of tax systems that crushed local economies and increased dependency on British companies.
Page 14: Challenges in Key Sectors
Economic Shifts in Colonial Myanmar
Colonial agriculture transformed from subsistence farming to a system enriching British capitalist interests.
Forest sector exploitation led to significant deforestation and environmental degradation.
Trade largely benefited British firms, trapping locals in cycles of debt.
Page 15: Urbanization and Industrial Development
Industrial Growth
Myanmar saw industrial processes primarily driven by export needs during colonial rule.
Development of transportation infrastructure and urban centers transformed market dynamics significantly but favored colonial powers.
Page 16: Post-war Distress
Economic Effects of War
After the Japanese era, Myanmar's economy was left in despair, with structural erosion due to war.
Losses in urban global linkages led to pervasive poverty and economic collapse.
Page 17: Societal Changes in Colonial Myanmar
Urban and Rural Dynamics
A notable emergence of a working class alongside existing rural structures; introduction of various ethnic influences stoked the development of a multicultural society.
Tensions re-emerging alongside colonial and social transformations influenced governance and culture.
Page 18: Conclusion of Historical Overview
Educational and Health Developments
Despite societal advances, significant public health and educational challenges persisted during colonial governance.
The waning of traditional systems in favor of colonial structures reshaped societal frameworks.