The Third Anglo-Burmese War 1885




A.) The Situation Preceding the War

As a consequence of the SECOND ANGLO-BURMESE WAR, the Kingdom of Burma had been reduced to its core regions around the capital AVA, and its foreign policy effectively was determined by the British Resident. The Burmese, highly uncomfortable with this situation, entered into communication with the Italians and the French. Business interests also were involved (rubees, lumber), the treatment given to the (British) Bombay-Burmah Trading Company by the Burmese administration in 1885 provided the excuse for the British to act. The British wanted to prevent a potential expansion of the French sphere of influence.


B.) The Cource of Events

A British fleet steamed up the Irawaddy River, and the capital Ava surrendered on Nov. 27th, MANDALAY was taken the next day. The river fleet reached the Chinese border in December. The army had to fight guerilla campaigns; the army was disbanded only in 1890. Burma, however, had been annexed in 1885.

C.) Legacy

Burma had been annexed into British India. Rangoon, British since 1852, became the center of administration.


EXTERNAL
FILES 		The Third Burma War, from British Forces.com
Armed Conflict Events Data : Burma 1800-1999, from OnWar.com
Third Anglo-Burmese War, 1885-1887, from regiments.org
DOCUMENTS



This page is part of World History at KMLA
First posted in 2001, last revised on November 17th 2004

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