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The primary reason was territorial expansion and trade disputes between the British and the Burmese empire.
How did the First Anglo-Burmese War end?
It ended with the Treaty of Yandabo in 1826, where Burma ceded territories to the British.
What was the outcome of the Second Anglo-Burmese War?
The British annexed Lower Burma, expanding their control over the region.
Why did the British annex Burma completely in 1885?
They feared Burmese ties with France and wanted full control over trade routes.
How did the Anglo-Burmese Wars impact Burma?
Burma lost its sovereignty, the monarchy ended, and British rule transformed its economy and society.
Anglo-Burmese Wars, Period, Reason, Impact
Anglo-Burmese Wars were a series of conflicts between the British Empire and the Kingdom of Burma in the 19th century. Learn about all three Anglo-Burmese wars here.
Deeksha Dixit6 Mar, 2025
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The Anglo-Burmese Wars were three major conflicts between the British and the Burmese empire under the rule of the Konbaung dynasty. These wars took place in the 19th century and led to the eventual annexation of Burma into British India.
The Anglo-Burmese wars, driven by political, economic, and territorial ambitions, spanned from 1824 to 1885 and had far-reaching consequences for the region. Read on to learn more about Anglo-Burmese.
Reason Behind Anglo-Burmese Wars
The Anglo-Burmese Wars were caused by multiple factors, including territorial expansion, trade disputes, and diplomatic conflicts. The British and Burmese empires were both powerful and aimed to dominate the region. Some major reasons include:
Border Disputes: Burma's expansion into Assam, Manipur, and Arakan created tension with British-controlled territories in India.
Trade and Commerce: The British sought to expand their trade network, but Burmese rulers imposed strict restrictions.
Political Rivalry: The Burmese monarchy resisted British influence, leading to conflicts.
Fear of French Alliance: The British feared that Burma might align with France, threatening British interests in India.
Immediate Cause: The immediate cause leading to war was the declaration of Cachar as a British protectorate and occupation of Shalpuri Island by the Burmese.
The First Anglo-Burmese War was the longest and most expensive war fought by the British in India at that time. It started in 1824 and ended in 1826 with the Treaty of Yandabo.
Causes of First War:
Burmese expansion into Assam and Manipur.
British merchants facing trade restrictions.
Border clashes between British and Burmese forces.
Events of the First Anglo-Burmese War:
The war began on March 5, 1824, as a result of Burmese aggression.
The British launched a naval attack on Rangoon in May 1824.
Burmese forces used guerrilla tactics but lacked modern weapons.
The British captured key territories, including Arakan and Tenasserim.
First Anglo-Burmese War Treaty - Treaty of Yandabo
The Treaty of Yandabo, signed on February 24, 1826, marked the end of the First Anglo-Burmese War. Under the terms of the treaty, Burma was forced to cede significant territories, including Assam, Manipur, Arakan, and Tenasserim, to the British.
Additionally, Burma had to pay a war indemnity of 1 million pounds. To further cement British influence, British residents were stationed in Ava, the Burmese capital. This treaty significantly weakened Burma and expanded British control in the region.
Second Anglo-Burmese War (1852)
The Second Anglo-Burmese War was a shorter conflict that took place in 1852. It resulted in further British expansion into Burma.
Causes of Second Anglo-Burmese War:
British dissatisfaction with Burmese trade policies.
Burmese authorities mistreated British merchants in Rangoon.
A British naval blockade escalated tensions.
Events of the Second War:
The war began with a naval confrontation provoked by Commodore Lambert.
The British launched an attack on Rangoon in April 1852.
Key Burmese ports were seized within months.
The British captured Pegu, a strategic region in Lower Burma.
Second Anglo-Burmese War Treaty:
The Second Anglo-Burmese War (1852-1853) ended without a formal treaty. On January 20, 1853, the British issued a proclamation announcing the annexation of the Pegu province, later renamed Lower Burma, into British India.
This annexation was carried out unilaterally by the British, with no agreement or treaty signed by the Burmese authorities. The conflict was primarily fueled by British commercial interests and imperial ambitions, which led to the Burmese monarchy losing direct control over crucial trade routes.
Third Anglo-Burmese War (1885)
The Third Anglo-Burmese War took place in 1885 and led to the complete annexation of Burma by the British.
Causes of Third War:
The British accused King Thibaw of misgovernance.
Burmese trade restrictions harmed British economic interests.
Fears of Burmese ties with the French empire.
Burmese resistance to British political influence.
Third Anglo-Burmese War Events:
On November 13, 1885, a British force invaded Upper Burma.
Within three weeks, they captured Mandalay, the Burmese capital, forcing King Thibaw to surrender on November 27, 1885.
King Thibaw was deposed and exiled to India.
Burmese fighters continued to resist British rule through guerrilla warfare.
Third Anglo-Burmese War Treaty:
Like the second war, the third Anglo-Burmese War (1885) did not result in any treaty. Upper Burma was annexed by the British and formally declared on January 1, 1886. This marked the end of the Konbaung dynasty and Burmese independence, making Burma a province of British India.
A British proclamation on January 1, 1886, declared that the territories formerly ruled by King Thibaw would now be under British control, replacing the Burmese monarchy with British governance. However, this led to increased resistance from Burmese nationalists, which continued for several years.
Impact of Anglo-Burmese Wars
The Anglo-Burmese Wars had significant political, economic, and social consequences. Some major impacts include:
Political Impact:
Annexation of Burma: Burma became part of British India.
End of Monarchy: The Burmese royal family was exiled.
Introduction of British Administration: British laws replaced traditional Burmese governance.
Economic Impact:
Growth of British Trade: Burma’s resources, especially teak and oil, benefited British industries.
Loss of Burmese Control: Local traders lost economic autonomy.
Expansion of Railways and Infrastructure: The British developed roads, ports, and railways for their benefit.
Social Impact:
Rise of Burmese Nationalism: British rule led to the formation of resistance movements.
Cultural Changes: Western education and lifestyle influenced Burmese society.
Religious Conflicts: British policies affected Buddhist traditions.
In summary, the Anglo-Burmese Wars reshaped Burmese history, leading to British rule and long-term socio-political changes. These wars played a crucial role in colonial expansion and regional dynamics.
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