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Effects Of Decolonization Of Burma

Decent Essays

Alexey Skyban (14201708)
Intro International Politics
13 October 2014
Unwillingness to do what is Right
Decolonization after 1945 undoubtedly caused more harm than good. Inevitably, colonized countries across the globe would have eventually requested sovereignty. Today, many decolonized countries are beginning to prosper and flourish; however, their path to such a state was long and challenging. The fluke in decolonization was not that it happened, but the way it did. Only concerned with self-interest and prosperity domestically, European Empires were blinded to the consequences of abandoning their colonies without any guidance or support. Poor decolonization of Burma resulted in widespread oppression, downfall of the economy, and violation of human rights. Britain left Burma with a very weak government unable to control its own country. As a result, the democratic government was overthrown and a ruthless tyrant rose to power.
Before British rule, Burma was a wealthy, …show more content…

The new government was continuously challenged by communists and under-represented ethnic groups. Home to one of the largest diversity of ethnic groups, it was extremely challenging to please all. With demands of, “protection of ethnic culture, language, and religion, the devolution of tangible executive, legislative, and judicial power to the ethnic states within a true federal union, and a democratic form of government” (ConflictMap.org) not met, the ethnic groups turned to violence. As a result, Burma experienced intense periods of civil war which devastated and destabilized the country even further. As the economy collapsed, U Nu was forced out of office by General Ne Win in order to “restore law and order”. U Nu was re-elected in February 1960, but two years later on March 2nd 1962, Ne Win seized power in a coup d'état and proclaimed himself to be Burma’s new military

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