Imperialism in Burma

The British on the Malay Peninsula & the French in Indochina nibbled at the borders of Siam

That Colonialism and imperialism played a significant role in shaping the modern world and particularly Asia is a prudent judgment. Colonialism is "a policy in which a country rules other nations and develops trade for its own benefit" and "the extension of power or authority over others in the interests of domination" (2004). 'The West', which refers to the societies of Europe and their genealogical, colonial, and philosophical descendants. Spain, France, Britain, Canada, and the United States of America are some examples of Western societies. These countries have spread their influence and hegemony over other nations for centuries; shaping today's North America,

Siam was a small country that was slightly smaller than france. It was never colonized during the Age of Imperialism and instead managed to stay independent. It was the only Southeast Asian state to avoid European colonial rule. Siam, now modern day Thailand, was located at the center of the Indochina peninsula in Southeast Asia. To the north was Burma, which was ruled by Britain, and to the east was Cochinchina and Cambodia, which were annexed by France. With these two superpowers and their mutually competitive imperial projects closing in around Siam, it was a very dangerous time period for them. They had to remain vigilant against the two countries or else be annexed by either one.

Often people like to defend that “The world’s largest democracy… Is largely due to British imperial rule” (Lalvani), however of “960 civil offices… 900 are occupied by Englishmen and only 60 by natives” (Doc 2). While India might have had a strong government and democracy, only 6% was actually controlled by Indians meaning Englishmen had nearly all of the control. Regardless of the fact that it was the Indian’s land and government- the British took their voice and power away from them. Some may also argue that “The British established framework for India’s justice system, civil service, loyal army, and efficient police force” (Lalvani), however taxes were still being increased despite knowing most Indians couldn’t even provide food for themselves (Doc 3). India was only being used for profit.

British imperialism politically impacted India in a bad way that lead to an inefficient government and many

As society has progressed, the evolution of imperialism has come to a point where people see it has pure history. It has vanished from our daily lives as we have not recently witness a country trying to dominate another. In “Shooting an Elephant” by George Orwell, we are able to envision the lives of the Burmese as they were involuntarily controlled by the British. In the early 1900’s we are told a true story of Orwell himself where he was once established in Burma was apart of his military service. During his service, he describes his living situation by noting that the army as well as himself were not appreciated. He mentions, “As a police officer I was an obvious target and was baited whenever it seemed safe to do so.”(1) One day he

Imperialism is the act of creating an empire, through extending a country’s power by force or forming international relations. In many cases, the imperializing country reaps the financial benefits and extracts resources/raw materials from the country that is colonized, leaving the natives with little to no resources and without the ability to advance or develop. When, one country enters another and takes over, it silences the people living there, and takes away their right of saying how their country should be governed. This lack of listening by the colonizers usually has disastrous results: destroyed economies, lives lost, and broken alliances, like the relationship between the British and the Chinese from the early 1700s until around 1912.

Britain had a desire to have a more economic, political, and social influence over India. Even though the British never preserved a notable military existence in India, they were able to maintain political control. Many changes were made, which benefitted India, but there were also some changes, which contributed to its deterioration. Despite the negative impacts Britain left on India, imperialism is best understood as a strong country extending its authority, in order to increase its wealth, by bringing more of the world under its control, because Britain helped in the development of India from a nation-state, to a unified country, which is modernly the world’s largest democracy.

Imperialism is a policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force. Imperialism was at an all-time high during European expansion movement through Asia, India, and Africa. If I was to be from Asia, in this time era, I would seek out many other options to avoid imperialism. I would picture the situation in a way that allowed me to talk to Europe’s head power of expansion. I believe that Asia could co-opt European ideas, but still keep their way of life economically and politically.

As many people know, Imperialism has shaped the culture and customs all over the world. Imperialism is the dominance of one country over another politically, economically or socially. Western culture can be seen in all parts of the world; from Asia to Africa, to the Indies and the Americans. The downside of having the bits of western culture all over the world, is how it got there. Western influence was forced upon places in Asia, specifically India, Indonesia with a hellacious price; lives and poverty.

Theoretically - and secretly, of course - I was all for the Burmese and all against their oppressors, the British" (p.3). Seeing the "dirty work" of the British Imperialists "oppressed me with an intolerable sense of guilt" (3).

British imperialism was additionally successful in its mission to cause political, psychological and moral damages to those around them. The behaviors practiced by that of the English colonizers whether it was brutality, oppression and discrimination was in many ways picked up by the locals. U Po Kyin, a native Burmese magistrate uses British social attitudes to discredit Dr. Veraswami, in hopes of gaining access to the European Club. He emulates colonial ideologies in order to gain positions of power and to elevate his influence and status in society.

Nineteenth century industrialization brought new riches and power to Western Europe, driving the expansion of opportunities and the building of empires in undeveloped territories. Although the developed countries brought many modern technologies to under-developed nations, they also brought fierce racism and European arrogance. Burmese Days by George Orwell was written in 1834 as a satirical view of English imperial life in Burma. Orwell provides a realistic observation of the arrogance the English demonstrated towards the natives and how they justified their actions.

much on the net about Burmese Days that one can look over when getting ready to write an essay. I have provided one I wrote that is about 2 1/2 pages long and outlines some basic themes as well as analyzes the main character. Tell me what you guys think:

Burma, like many other Southeast Asian nations, is a land of much culture and diversity of ethnic groups. Unfortunately, unlike the people of other nations, the people of Burma have been stripped of their human rights. Since the military junta had overtaken the Burmese government in 1988, the people of Burma have been among the most oppressed people in the world. The continuation of the government’s brutality has caught the attention of many outside nations around the world who increasingly have been intervening in Burma’s issues to help its people. As these occurrences are a major issue for the people of Burma, these problems are not restricted to its boundaries. They are also becoming a problem for