Political Scenario of Burma under British Rule

Myanmar is one of the most notable countries in southeast Asia. The country has a wide and colotful history. If you are interested in history and politics then the historical as well as political scenario of the country is sure to fascinate you. the country was a monarchy in its early times and later it was colonized by the European countries. After gaining independence from that condition the country is at present governed by a military government.

Historically, Myanmar was a monarchy ruled by various dynasties prior to the 19th century. The British colonized the country in the late 19th century. After that the country was under the jurisdiction of the British Raj until the year 1937.
Myanmar was ruled as a British colony from the 1820’s until the year 1948. The Bamar heartland was directly administered by the British. Firstly it was a part of India then it was treated as a part of British Burma. However, there were some ethnic regions outside the heartland that were allowed some measures of self rule just like the princely states in India. This decision led to split loyalties among different ethnic groups along with the indigenous people of Burma.

The Bamars are the dominant ethnic group in Burma. The group make up approximately 68% of the total population of Myanmar. During World War II many Bamar joined hands with the Japanese to rule out the British from the country. However, many other ethnic groups supported the Allied Forces. This had a great impact on the history of Myanmar. When in the year 1948 Burma was granted independence from the Great Britain, Burma got a new ruler Aung San. The British gave him control over the areas that are not traditionally controlled by the Bamar.