Anglo-Burmese Wars: Causes, Treaties, and the British Annexation of Burma

Anglo-Burmese Wars were a series of three conflicts fought between the British Empire (initially the British East India Company) and the Konbaung dynasty of Burma (modern-day Myanmar) during the 19th century. 

These wars the longest and most expensive fought by the British in India at the time were driven by a clash of imperial ambitions, territorial disputes, and British commercial interests, ultimately leading to the complete annexation of Burma into British India.

The resolution of the first conflict, the first Anglo-Burmese War Treaty (Treaty of Yandabo), laid the foundation for decades of conflict and culminated in the loss of Burmese sovereignty.

Anglo-Burmese Wars Overview

Anglo-Burmese Wars were a series of three significant military conflicts between the expanding British Empire and the independent Kingdom of Burma during the 19th century. 

Causes of the Anglo-Burmese Wars

The primary reason for the Anglo-Burmese Wars was the collision between the two expanding empires: the British, who were consolidating their control over India, and the aggressive expansion of the Burmese Konbaung dynasty.

1. Burmese Expansionism: Under rulers like King Bodawpaya, Burma expanded aggressively into neighboring regions, annexing Arakan (1784) and taking control of Assam and Manipur (1817–1819). This brought the Burmese border into direct contact with the British East India Company’s territory, leading to unavoidable friction.

2. Border Disputes: Conflicts, such as the Burmese occupation of Shalpuri Island near Chittagong in 1823, escalated tensions along the ill-defined frontier. The British viewed these incursions into their claimed protectorates like Cachar and Jaintia as direct threats.

3. British Commercial Interests: The British sought control over Burma for its rich natural resources, particularly teak and petroleum, and to secure a vital trade route through the Irrawaddy River to China. These commercial interests intensified the conflicts.

4. Fear of French Influence: By the late 19th century, British anxiety grew over King Thibaw Min's attempts to establish commercial and diplomatic ties with France, a major European rival.

The First Anglo-Burmese War (1824–1826)

The First Anglo-Burmese War (1824–1826) began when the Burmese expanded into Assam, Manipur, and Arakan, bringing them into direct conflict with British forces. 

The war lasted two years, and although the Burmese initially had some successes, the British army under Sir Archibald Campbell gradually captured key territories.

The Treaty of Yandabo (1826)

The war concluded with a decisive British victory and the signing of the first anglo-burmese war treaty, known as the Treaty of Yandabo, on February 24, 1826.

Terms of the Treaty:

• Territorial Cessions: Burma was forced to cede the provinces of Arakan and Tenasserim (along the coast) to the British. It also formally renounced all claims on Assam, Cachar, and Manipur.

• War Indemnity: The Burmese government had to pay an indemnity of one million pounds sterling to the British.

• Diplomacy: Burma agreed to allow a permanent British Resident at the capital, Ava, and also permit the exchange of diplomatic representatives.

The Second Anglo-Burmese War (1852)

Second Anglo-Burmese War (1852–1853) was driven by British commercial ambitions and the imperialist policies of Lord Dalhousie. British merchants wanted access to the rich timber resources of Upper Burma and sought to expand their trade in the Burmese market. 

The British launched military campaigns capturing strategic towns such as Rangoon and Pegu, facing minimal resistance from the Burmese. By the end of the war, the British had annexed Lower Burma, further extending their control over Burmese trade and administration and weakening Burmese sovereignty.

The Third Anglo-Burmese War (1885)

Third Anglo-Burmese War (1885–1886) was triggered by King Thibaw’s attempts to form alliances with the French and raise customs duties that affected British trade. In November 1885, the British launched a swift campaign and captured the Burmese capital, Mandalay, deposing King Thibaw. By 1886, Upper Burma was formally annexed, and the entire country became a province of British India, ending Burmese independence entirely. 

Overall, the Anglo-Burmese Wars expanded British territorial and political control in Southeast Asia, integrated Burma into the British Indian administrative system, and demonstrated the superiority of British military technology and strategy over traditional Burmese forces.

Who won the Anglo-Burma war?

The British Empire decisively won all three Anglo-Burmese Wars. Each conflict chipped away at Burmese sovereignty and territory, transforming Burma from a powerful, independent kingdom into a colonial province.

The wars’ cumulative effect was profound:

• Political: The annexation of the entire country in 1886 marked the end of the Konbaung dynasty and the incorporation of Burma as a province of British India, a situation that lasted until 1937.

• Economic: British control opened up Burma's resources (rice, teak, oil) to systematic commercial exploitation.

• Socio-Cultural: The wars sparked a long, sustained period of Burmese resistance and, later, a nationalist movement that eventually secured the country's independence in 1948.