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unrealistic -> no timetable for indep, did not consider political and psychological impact of Jap Op
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mid 1945, many soldiers rejected for re-enlistment by British inspector thus obvious recruits for anti-govt military
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negotiated elections of a constituent assembly to prepare constitution for independent Myanmar
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even more difficult to create consensus on structure of the independent state
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quasi-federal union with centralised govt that acknowledged country's plural character, 5 ethnic states for Shan, Karen, Kachin, Karenni and Chin, right to secede after 10 years + ethnic rep in cabinet. co- opted Shan traditional elite (Sawbwas) relatively successfully, gave autonomy and central govt positions
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to assure security but no paper agreement!
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guerilla actions in cuntryside by Red Flag communists, U Nu ordered arrests but communist leadership went into hiding, joined by govt army massive deserters and Aung San's former private army (not integrated into govt security forces yet), PVO district leaders refused to disband or hand in weapons
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CAUSE: many minorities viewed Myanmar as a Burmese state, feared absorption and consequent disappearance of separate and distinct cultural identities, Karens (KNU and KNLA): world's longest running ethnic insurgency, fought due to boundaries and expanse of ethnic area, took armed direction because at odds since colonial times
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power over states concentrated in central government
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BEATEN BACK by revitalised Tatmadaw under Ne Win
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Sitwundan as special police reserves and rag tag soldiers
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restored stability and national peace, built state capacity, lowered corruption, increased bureaucratic efficiency, deal with pocket armies
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formed armed groups to demand SHan autonomous state
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1960s, to placate them
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THUS under pressure from Shan, Mon and Arakan leaders for more ethnic states and autonomy, secession card played by Shans to force govt hand
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use of Buddhism as major issue in campaign, promised to make it official religion and way of life BUT civilian govt could not solve and improve situation
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ALARMED military leadership + contribute to fears of national disintegration THUS JUSTIFY COUP
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Ne Win claimed that democracy was incompatible with Myanmar, due to political infighting, policy gridlock, multiple insurgencies, declining economy. suspended constitution and appointed Rev Council to govern by decree. 1 party state under BSPP until 1988
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black market and corruption
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1970s, due to use of imported fertilisers, credit facilities, high yield strains of rice, foreign aid, cost of living increased
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hold elections, transfer power to newly elected civilian govt
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new constituion, dissolved RC, direct military rule ended
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over food shortage, corruption, declining economy
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against declining standard and conditions of Rangoon Uni
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replaced with 45, 90 kyat to save economy and combat black market, did not solve problem, provoked students and masses to demonstrations
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Sein Lwin appointed but not accepted due to role in brutal suppressions of 1962
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general strike, Sein Lwin resign, replaced by Muang Muang, ended martial law, released political prisoners, allowed formation of political parties and ABSU, demonstrations broadened, military killed protestors, reconsolidated power and declared elections to be held in 1990
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SLORC brought back direct military rule until 2011
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Aung San Suu Kyi (ASSK) assisted by prominent figures such as Aung Gyi and Tin U, powerful orator and magnetic public figure who drew ppl in based on father's aura
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SLORC denied victory, accused ASSK of being a traitor
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