August 28th, 2010 
adminThe history of Myanmar dates back to 3,000 B.C. when the Mon people settled the area. Much later, about 628 AD, the Pyu civilization established a capitol in the vicinity of modern-day Prome. The area of Myanmar became a unified state during the Pagan Kingdom from 1044 – 1077. The kingdom was supported by household taxes and therefore fell into decline because of over-spending on pagodas. In 1287, Kublai Khan, the grandson of Genghis Khan, ransacked Pagan, ushering in a time of conflict that would last for centuries. However, the presence of European countries had little effect on Myanmar until the infringement on the Raj in Bengal. This led directly to the British occupation of the borders of these countries. After 60 years, the British had complete control over Myanmar.
On a positive note, the British occupation transformed Myanmar into the world’s most prominent rice exporter. However, there was also a flood of Indian and Chinese immigrants who often enjoyed exploiting the Burman people. World War II was a time of political change in Myanmar. When the war ended, the Anti-Fascist People’s Freedom League (AFPFL) attempted to gain independence for Myanmar and succeeded in their attempts in 1947. Only three months later, the leader of AFPFL and most of his cabinet were assassinated.
The condition of Myanmar really began to go downhill in 1962 when General Ne Win overthrew the government and began establishing a socialist government. The economy crumbled as the black market soared. Many citizens lost their status if their ancestors were not part of the “original” Myanmar populations. After the populous had had enough, what with the devaluation of their currency, they revolted with riots and public letters. Finally, Ne Win stepped down in 1988. Months of turmoil followed with protests, looting and a brutal police force. Thousands died in Yangon and other areas of the country.
Later in 1988, the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) was formed to bring law and order back to Myanmar. In 1993, the SLORC chose a national convention to draft a new constitution for the country, requesting that the military be given a main government role. The convention was not conducted democratically, so the members that were also part of the National League for Democracy (NLD) literally walked away. In 1998, the new constitution was still unfinished. Despite the country’s significant resources, its development is hindered today by the continually unsettled politics there.
