Anglo-Burmese War, Background, Causes, First & Second War Impact

The Anglo-Burmese Wars were a series of significant conflicts between the British Empire and the Kingdom of Burma during the 19th century. At the time, Burma was under the rule of the Konbaung dynasty, which had established itself as a dominant power in Southeast Asia. The Burmese rulers pursued aggressive expansionist policies, extending their influence into neighboring regions such as Assam, Arakan, and Manipur.

The root cause of these wars lay in the conflicting objectives of the two empires. The British focused on protecting their Indian territories, while the Burmese aimed to consolidate their growing regional power. This clash of ambitions eventually led to the annexation of Burma into British India.

Anglo-Burmese War Background

The Anglo-Burmese Wars trace their roots to the rapid expansion of the Burmese Empire under the Konbaung dynasty. Burma was unified between 1752 and 1760 by King Alaungpaya, the founder of the Konbaung dynasty. His successor, King Bodawpaya, continued this expansionist policy from his capital at Ava.

• Bodawpaya invaded territories such as Siam and annexed the Arakan region during his reign.
• By 1813, they had taken control of the present-day Manipur region.
• This brought Burma into direct contact with British India’s borders, escalating tensions between the two powers.

Anglo-Burmese War Causes

The primary causes of the Anglo-Burmese Wars can be traced to Burma’s aggressive territorial expansion into regions such as Assam and Manipur which brought the Kingdom into direct conflict with British interests in India. This expansionist policy alarmed the British, who were keen on maintaining control over their territories. Additionally, the interests of British traders, particularly those from the East India Company, played a significant role, as they sought to secure profitable trade routes through Burma to enhance their economic standing.

First Anglo-Burmese War

The First Anglo-Burmese War (1824-1826) began when the Burmese expanded into Assam, leading to direct conflict with British forces. The war lasted two years, and despite initial Burmese successes, British forces, under Sir Archibald Campbell, eventually captured key Burmese territories.

Treaty of Yandabo

The Treaty of Yandabo was signed on 24 February 1826, with General Archibald Campbell representing the British and Maha Min Hla Kyaw Htin, the Governor of Legaing, signing on behalf of the Burmese. This treaty brought an official end to the First Anglo-Burmese War and imposed significant conditions on the Kingdom of Burma.

• Burma ceded Assam, Manipur, Arakan, and Tenasserim to the British.
• Burma had to pay a large indemnity to the British.
• Allow for the exchange of diplomatic representatives between Ava, and Calcutta.

Second Anglo-Burmese War

The Second Anglo-Burmese War in 1852 was driven by British commercial ambitions and the imperialist policies of Lord Dalhousie. British merchants were eager to access the rich timber resources of Upper Burma and expand their presence in the Burmese market. These economic interests, combined with Dalhousie’s aggressive expansionist agenda, led to renewed conflict. By the end of the war, the British had annexed the province of Pegu, extending their control over Lower Burma.

Third Anglo-Burmese War

The immediate cause of the third Anglo-Burmese War was the British reaction to King Thibaw’s attempts to form alliances with the French and raise customs duties that affected British trade. The British launched a swift campaign in November 1885 and captured the Burmese capital, Mandalay. King Thibaw was deposed, and by 1886, Burma was formally annexed into the British Empire.

Anglo-Burmese War Impacts

The Anglo-Burmese Wars not only led to the British annexation of Burma but also sparked significant resistance. Following the wars, British authorities faced a strong guerrilla uprising across Burma. After World War I, a nationalist movement emerged, with Burmese leaders aligning with the Indian National Congress. To weaken this alliance, the British separated Burma from India in 1935. During World War II, the nationalist movement intensified under U Aung San, ultimately leading to Burma’s independence on January 4, 1948.