Britain & Burma

Britain took control of Burma through three wars [1824-26, 1852, 1885]. The Japanese invaded Burma in 1941. At first they were welcomed by many sections of the population especially the Burmans who were pleased to see the British ousted.

However, disappointment followed as the Japanese regime became more oppressive. During the war the Karen maintained their loyalty to the British and, led by British officers, fought a guerrilla war against the Japanese. Many Karen saw their future in an independent state.

The British returned in 1945 but Karen hopes for an independent state after the war were dashed when the British government backed a central government  under General Aung San. Independence was granted in 1947 and Aung San became the first Prime Minister of Burma. He signed the Panglong Agreement with leaders of various ethnic groups expressing solidarity in the development of a unified Burma. Aung San was assassinated shortly after the agreement was signed.