Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A new constitution for Burma sets up a legislative council, giving locals a larger role in the run-
ning of the country; it's not enough to stem calls for independence.
1939
Still under British watch, the leader of Burma's government, U Saw, holds office until his arrest
by the British in January 1942 for communicating with the Japanese.
1941
After training with the Japanese, Aung San - Aung San Suu Kyi's father - founds the Burmese
Army, and marches into Burma with his benefactors to oust the British.
1945
Aung San turns his army against the Japanese to support the British; later he forms the Anti-
Fascist People's Freedom League (AFPFL) to fight for Burmese independence.
1947
Having gained independence from Britain and rallied ethnic groups to a 10-year deal where they
could secede from Burma by 1958, Aung San and six colleagues are assassinated by rivals.
1948
On 4 January the country gains independence as the Union of Burma with U Nu as the prime
minister; immediately it is destabilised by various ethnic and political conflicts.
1958
A split in the AFPFL causes parliamentary chaos; U Nu barely survives a no-confidence vote and
invites General Ne Win to form a 'caretaker government' which lasts until 1960.
1962
Following the coup by Ne Win, a peaceful student protest at Rangoon University is suppressed
by the military, with over 100 students killed and the Student Union building dynamited.
1964
All opposition political parties are banned, commerce and industry are nationalised and Ne Win
begins the process of isolating Myanmar from the rest of the world.
1978
General San Yu succeeds Ne Win as Burma's president but Ne Win remains the ultimate ruler,
even after his resignation from the Burmese Socialist Programme Party in 1988.
