Myanmar

History

See Burmese Martial Arts

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Previously an independent kingdom, in 1824-26, 1851-52 and 1885-86 Burma was invaded by the British Empire and became a part of India. The Japanese expelled the British with the help of Aung San and occupied the country during World War II but it was retaken by the British in 1945.

Related Topics:
British Empire - India - Japanese - Aung San - World War II - 1945

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In 1948 the nation became sovereign, as the Union of Burma, with U Nu as the first Prime Minister. Democratic rule ended in 1962 with a military coup d'etat led by General Ne Win. Ne Win ruled for nearly 26 years, bringing in harsh reforms. In 1990 free elections were held for the first time in almost 30 years, but the landslide victory of the NLD, the party of Aung San Suu Kyi was voided by the military, which refused to step down.

Related Topics:
1948 - U Nu - Democratic - 1962 - Coup d'etat - General Ne Win - 1990 - NLD - Aung San Suu Kyi

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

One of the top figures in Burmese history in the 20th century is Army founder and freedom figure General Aung San, a student-turned activist whose daughter is 1991 Nobel Peace Laureate and worldwide peace, freedom and democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi of the NLD, now under house arrest. The third most recognised Burmese figure in the world is U Thant, who was UN Secretary General for two terms and highly respected throughout United Nations' history.

Related Topics:
20th century - Aung San - Nobel Peace Laureate - Aung San Suu Kyi - NLD - U Thant - UN Secretary General

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The map on the history page shows Burma as it was at its height before 1886. Burmese kings occasionally occupied some parts of China, India, small parts of Bangladesh, Laos and most of hearts of Thailand's ancient kingdoms at various times in history.

Related Topics:
China - India - Bangladesh - Laos - Thailand

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~