AP7 MATATAG Q2 Week 5-2 Pamamaraan at Patakarang Kolonyal ng mga British sa Burma with PPT and DLL

Summary

This script discusses the colonial history of Burma and Cambodia under British and French rule, respectively. It highlights the strategic importance of Burma to Britain due to its proximity to India and the resources it offered. The text explores the political and social upheaval in Burma, including various rebellions against British rule, such as the 1930 peasant uprising. It also examines the growing nationalist movement in Burma, influenced by global movements like Gandhi’s, and the role of education and protest in the struggle for independence. The script traces the impact of British policies and local responses to colonial control.

Takeaways

• 😀 Burma's strategic location was key to British imperial interests, particularly in preventing threats to British India.
• 😀 The British annexed Burma following a series of Anglo-Burmese wars, making it a part of British India and later a Crown Colony.
• 😀 The British dismantled Burma's monarchy, effectively controlling the country and replacing traditional governance structures with colonial systems.
• 😀 The British introduced a modern educational system in Burma, which diminished the power of Buddhist monasteries and created a new educated class of Burmans.
• 😀 Burmese resistance to British rule was widespread and included various uprisings, such as the 1930-1931 Say San rebellion, which was brutally suppressed.
• 😀 The British implemented the 'Strategic Hamlet' policy and other measures to control resistance, including burning villages and dividing the country along ethnic lines.
• 😀 The Great Depression exacerbated the economic conditions in Burma, leading to widespread poverty, particularly among the rural population, which fueled resistance movements.
• 😀 Indian immigrants were brought into Burma under British rule, which led to tensions with the local Burmese population, especially as Indians received favorable treatment in the colonial system.
• 😀 Nationalist movements in Burma were inspired by global events, including India's independence struggle and the aftermath of World War I, leading to the rise of a new generation of educated activists.
• 😀 Prominent figures like U Otama and Say San played significant roles in resistance movements, with U Otama even staging a hunger strike against British rule in 1929.
• 😀 Despite repeated failures, nationalist uprisings and protests laid the groundwork for Burma’s eventual independence in the mid-20th century, highlighting the growing anti-colonial sentiment.

Q & A

What was the significance of Cambodia maintaining its royal family during colonial rule?

Despite the French exercising real political power in Cambodia during colonialism, the royal family remained as a symbolic figurehead. This allowed Cambodia to preserve its royal traditions and identity while being under French influence.

Why was Burma strategically important to Britain during the colonial period?

Burma's location was significant to Britain because it provided a strategic buffer against potential threats to British-controlled India, especially from other regional powers like Siam (Thailand) and Vietnam.

How did the British manage the ethnic diversity in Burma after colonization?

The British divided Burma into two main regions: Burma proper, which was directly governed, and Frontier areas, home to minority ethnic groups like the Shan and Kachin. This division helped the British control the diverse ethnic population more efficiently.

What was the impact of the British policy on the Sangha in Burma?

The British separated religion and state, reducing the power of the Sangha, the Buddhist monastic community, in governance. This weakened the traditional role of monks in society, especially in education, as the British introduced a secular, modern education system.

How did the British's education policies affect Burmese society?

The British education system, which did not require students to be affiliated with the Sangha, provided more opportunities for minority groups and allowed anyone to become a teacher. However, the British also restricted political organization, which limited the growth of nationalist movements in the early years of colonial rule.

What was the role of the 'Strategic Hamlet' policy implemented by the British in Burma?

The Strategic Hamlet policy involved burning villages to eliminate families resisting British rule. This brutal tactic aimed to suppress opposition and solidify British control over the country.

Why did Burma transition from being governed as part of British India to a crown colony?

Burma was governed as part of British India until 1937 when it became a crown colony to allow for more direct control by the British government. This shift reflected Britain's desire for greater administrative control and reflected Burma's strategic importance.

How did the imposition of taxes under British rule lead to rebellions in Burma?

The British imposed heavy taxes, which led to widespread discontent among the Burmese population. This economic hardship sparked several rebellions, such as the 1930 Say San Rebellion, where thousands of peasants and workers rose up against colonial taxation policies.

How did the economic crisis of the Great Depression influence Burma's resistance to British rule?

The Great Depression worsened economic conditions in Burma, particularly for farmers, which further fueled dissatisfaction with British colonial rule. This economic strain was a catalyst for increased nationalist sentiment and resistance movements.

What was the significance of the Say San Rebellion of 1930 in the context of Burma's nationalist movement?

The Say San Rebellion was one of the first major uprisings against British colonial rule, marking a turning point in the rise of Burmese nationalism. Though the rebellion was suppressed, it sparked a broader national consciousness that later contributed to the drive for independence.