Britain's Teak Wood Grab

Britain's Teak Wood Grab: The Destruction of Burma

On November 20, 1885, British troops marched into Mandalay, the last stronghold of the Burmese kingdom, marking the beginning of the end of an independent Burma. Lord Dufferin, the British Viceroy of India, orchestrated the invasion, citing the need to protect British interests in the region. The city of Mandalay, with its rich history and cultural significance, was about to become a mere vassal state.

What Everyone Knows

The standard story goes that the British colonization of Burma was a gradual process, driven by a desire to expand the Empire and spread Western civilization. Most people think that the British were drawn to Burma's strategic location and rich natural resources, but the details of this process are often glossed over. The common narrative portrays the British as benevolent rulers, bringing order and stability to a chaotic region. However, this simplistic view ignores the complex web of interests and motivations that drove British policy in Burma.

What History Actually Shows

Historians like John Furnivall and Michael Aung-Thwin have extensively documented the British colonization of Burma, and their research reveals a more nuanced picture. On January 1, 1886, the British formally annexed Burma, and by 1887, they had established a colonial administration. The British were primarily interested in exploiting Burma's natural resources, particularly teak wood, which was highly prized for shipbuilding. The British East India Company alone extracted over 1 million tons of teak from Burma between 1850 and 1880. According to historian Thant Myint-U, the British saw Burma as a vital source of raw materials, and they were willing to do whatever it took to secure control over the region. On April 1, 1852, the British had already begun to exert their influence over the Burmese kingdom, signing the Treaty of Pegu, which forced the Burmese to cede large tracts of land to the British. By 1878, the British had established a network of logging camps and sawmills throughout Burma, and by 1883, they had begun to build railways and roads to facilitate the extraction of teak and other resources. As the British historian, C.W. Dunn, noted in his book "The Truth About Burma", the British colonization of Burma was a ruthless and efficient process, driven by economic interests rather than altruistic motives. The British government and the East India Company worked together to dismantle the Burmese kingdom, using a combination of military force and diplomatic pressure to achieve their goals. By 1886, the Burmese monarchy had been abolished, and the country was being ruled directly from London. The destruction of the Burmese kingdom was a deliberate act, driven by the British desire to secure control over the region's natural resources, particularly teak wood.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians like Michael Charney and Thant Myint-U have actively worked to uncover the truth about the British colonization of Burma, but their efforts were often hindered by the British government's deliberate destruction of records and the lack of access to Burmese archives. The British government made a conscious decision to downplay the severity of their actions in Burma, and this has contributed to the story being forgotten. Specifically, the British East India Company's archives were largely destroyed, taking with them vital information about the company's role in the colonization of Burma. As a result, the story of the British colonization of Burma was not told, and the general public was left with a limited understanding of the events that transpired. The British government's actions, combined with the lack of access to records, have made it difficult for historians to piece together the full story of the colonization of Burma.

The Ripple Effect

The British colonization of Burma had a profound impact on the country's economy and infrastructure. The destruction of the Burmese kingdom led to a significant decline in the country's ability to self-govern, and the British imposed their own system of administration, which had long-lasting effects. For example, the British-built railway system in Burma, which was constructed using forced labor, still operates today, and its routes and infrastructure reflect the priorities of the British colonizers rather than the needs of the local population. The railway system is a concrete reminder of the legacy of British colonization in Burma.

The Line That Says It All

The British colonization of Burma resulted in the destruction of the Konbaung dynasty and the loss of Burma's independence for over a century.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to the British colonization of Burma in the 19th century.