How did Myanmar gain Independence?

The modern state of Myanmar emerged on January 4, 1948. The territorial boundaries of Myanmar that were established upon independence remain largely unchanged today, with approximately 99 percent of the borders remaining the same.

However, the Myanmar of pre-1886 under Burmese monarchs differs significantly from post-1948 Myanmar. The intervening period represents a long journey of anti-colonialism, national liberation, and the struggle for independence.

Let's trace this extended journey back through history. Understanding our own country allows us to make meaningful comparisons with the international community. Knowing the past of unfreedom makes the taste of freedom even sweeter.

The End of the Feudal System

The British invaded Myanmar three times: in 1824, 1852, and 1885, ultimately bringing the country under British rule. This led to the capture of King Thibaw, the last monarch of the Burmese dynasty, who was exiled to Ratnagiri. This marked not only the end of the feudal system but also exposed the entire country of Myanmar to the bitter inheritance of the colonial system.

Justification for the Conquest of Myanmar

Lord Randolph Churchill, the Secretary of State for India, outlined four reasons for Britain's conquest of Myanmar in his victory speech after the occupation:

The arrogance and cruelty of the native Burmese king
The oppression and persecution of British subjects
Obstruction of British trade
Foreign interference in Upper Burma

These four points were the justifications given by the British for their conquest of Myanmar.

Unspoken Reasons for the Conquest of Myanmar

There were also reasons for the British conquest that weren't explicitly stated. Historical reflection suggests:

The good relations between the French and the Burmese in Upper Burma
British merchants' desire to occupy Myanmar to expand trade with China
The British government's aim to gain public support in British elections through the conquest of Myanmar

After conquering Myanmar, Lord Randolph Churchill presented the country as a New Year's gift to Queen Victoria of Britain on December 31, 1885 (New Year's Eve). Lord Churchill also announced Myanmar's incorporation as a British colonial territory on January 1, 1886, with simultaneous proclamations in London, Calcutta, and Rangoon.

Thus, Myanmar became a British colony, losing its sovereignty.

Early Colonial Period

The British did not find it easy to rule Myanmar after occupation. This was because armed rebellions erupted throughout the country. While the British labeled them as insurgents, the Burmese referred to them as revolutionaries. The British suppressed these rebellions with great difficulty.

Hill Regions and Mainland Administration

The British administered all of Myanmar under India. Within Myanmar, they separated the administration of the hill regions from the mainland.

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The Sawbwas and Saophas (feudal chiefs) in the hill regions had traditionally paid tribute to the Burmese kings while maintaining local autonomy. The Burmese kings left them alone as long as they remained loyal. The Sawbwas and Saophas would occasionally rebel against the Burmese kings when opportunities arose.

Under British rule, while Lower Burma was directly administered, the hill regions were ruled through the Sawbwas. Except for foreign affairs, taxation, and natural resources, the Sawbwas and Saophas maintained self-governance similar to that under Burmese kings.

Nevertheless, during British rule, ethnic minorities took up arms and resisted. According to Vidura Sahin Chit Maung's book "Burma in Slavery," there were 111 prominent ethnic minority leaders who revolted against the British.

Until 1920, the resistance against the British colonizers was not unified across the nation but rather consisted of separate movements fighting in their own ways. This is why these efforts were not effective for achieving independence but only served to keep the patriotic spirit alive.

Myanmar Political Awakening Period (1920-1940)

Historians mark the beginning of Myanmar's political awakening period from 1920. Before that, in 1906, the Young Men's Buddhist Association (YMBA) was established. This organization laid the foundation for religiously-based nationalism. Branch associations were formed throughout the country. In October 1920, at the eighth YMBA conference, the organization's name was changed to GCBA (General Council of Burmese Associations). Looking at the conference resolutions, education, organizational matters, and religious affairs were given priority.

World War I broke out in 1914, and by 1919, U Ba, U Pu, and U Thwin Shein traveled to England to present an administrative reform plan for Myanmar.

In 1920, the British enacted the Rangoon University Act. The first Rangoon University student strike emerged in protest against this law.

In 1930, a landmark organization in Myanmar's history, the Dobama Asiayone (We Burmese Association), was established. The participation of university students like General Aung San and U Nu in this organization marked the beginning of Myanmar's path to independence.

In 1936, a second student strike occurred. In 1938, the Chauk oil field strike led to the emergence of the Revolution of 1300 (Burmese calendar). Workers from oil fields, peasants, laborers, students, and civilians participated in this revolution.

Looking back at the period from 1920 to 1940, we can see that within these 20 years, the political awareness of the Burmese people developed rapidly. Additionally, the Burmese independence movement was no longer considered in isolation but in relation to international conditions.

In particular, the high level of political awareness among university students became an encouraging situation for the country's independence.

British Trouble, Burmese Opportunity

In 1939, World War II broke out globally. The war between European Allied nations and Axis powers also impacted Southeast Asia. By around 1940, young people from Myanmar traveled to China seeking connections to revolt against the British. This group later became known as the Thirty Comrades. The Thirty Comrades received military training in Amoy, China, with Japanese assistance, and later moved to Thailand. There, they formed the Burma Independence Army (BIA).

The BIA allied with Japan to drive out the British. However, upon reaching Japanese rule, they found it to be worse than British rule. Therefore, they re-allied with the British and fought against Japan. After World War II, the Japanese left Myanmar, and the British returned.

By this time, the international community had begun national liberation struggles in colonized countries. The AFPFL (Anti-Fascist People's Freedom League) led by General Aung San held the Shwedagon Middle Terrace Conference in February 1946. At this conference, the AFPFL leadership, with the support of the entire population, decided to achieve independence within one year.

This resolution was sent to the British by the AFPFL. They stated that before January 1947, if independence was not granted, General Aung San would resign from the interim government.

In response to this declaration, British Prime Minister Mr. Attlee explicitly announced in the British House of Commons on December 20, 1946, that independence would be granted to Myanmar, whether or not it remained within the British Commonwealth.

Three Independence Treaties

Because of the AFPFL declaration, Aung San's delegation was invited to England by British Prime Minister Attlee. During discussions, General Aung San stated that the hills and plains would seek independence together. At this point, Mr. Attlee produced a telegram from two Shan Sawbwas stating that General Aung San did not represent the hill regions. As a result, the AFPFL organization remaining in Myanmar held public demonstrations against the feudal system of the Sawbwas in the Shan State. Despite these difficulties, the Aung San-Attlee Agreement was signed by General Aung San and British Prime Minister Attlee on January 27, 1947.

At the Panglong Conference on February 12, 1947, the historic Panglong Agreement was signed. This agreement allowed the hills and plains to unite and gain independence from the British.

On July 19, 1947, General Aung San and others were assassinated. Consequently, Minister U Nu had to lead the remaining AFPFL.

The Aung San-Attlee Agreement brought Myanmar's independence within reach. Additionally, the Let Ya-Freeman Agreement, which included defense-related agreements, was signed on August 29, 1947, by Myanmar Defense Minister General Let Ya and British Military Mission Leader Freeman.

On October 1, 1947, Myanmar Interim Government Prime Minister U Nu and British Prime Minister Attlee signed the Nu-Attlee Agreement. This was the treaty transferring sovereignty from the British to Myanmar and is referred to as the Independence Treaty.

Achieving Independence

On January 4, 1948, Myanmar gained independence from the British. The first Independence Day ceremony was held at three locations.

The first ceremony took place in front of the Constituent Assembly Hall, in front of the Secretariat building where General Aung San and others had fallen. At 4:20 a.m., the Union Jack was lowered from the flagpole in front of the Constituent Assembly, and the Myanmar flag was raised. At 4:40 a.m., Sao Shwe Thaik, the Sawbwa of Nyaung Shwe, accepted the presidential position, and U Nu accepted the prime minister position in the Constituent Assembly. Prime Minister U Nu delivered the Independence Day speech.

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At 6:00 a.m., the Union Jack was lowered at the Government House on Alon Road, and the Myanmar national flag was raised.

At 8:00 a.m., the foundation for the Independence Monument in Maha Bandula Park was laid. At 8:20 a.m., Sir Hubert Rance, the last Governor of Myanmar, and his wife departed for England on the Birmingham ship.

In this way, Myanmar became an independent sovereign nation.

Summary

Myanmar's long journey to independence was truly arduous. In today's world, while one country's military colonization of another still occurs, it has become rare. This is because colonization now takes place through political, economic, and cultural means rather than military conquest. On the other hand, by exaggerating these changing patterns of colonization, there are instances around the world where people's freedoms are restricted, controlled, and violated. As a result, the world remains restless, embroiled in conflicts and wars.

For all freedom to endure, a foundation of equality and justice is essential. Promoting freedom, equality, and justice is how we preserve the independence that our ancestors left us.

Lin Thit (Y3A)

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