Anglo-Burmese Wars were three major fights between the British Empire and the Kingdom of Burma in the 1800s. These wars changed the history of Southeast Asia and finally made Burma (now Myanmar) a part of British India.

The Anglo-Burmese Wars happened between 1824 and 1885. At that time, Burma was ruled by the Konbaung dynasty, a family of kings who wanted to make their kingdom bigger by taking nearby places like Assam, Manipur, and Arakan. The British, who ruled India, wanted to protect their land and increase their trade in Asia. Because both wanted more power, they ended up fighting several wars.

What Was Anglo-Burmese Wars?

The Anglo-Burmese Wars were fought between the British rulers of India and the Burmese kings who controlled much of Southeast Asia. The Burmese wanted to expand their rule, while the British wanted to protect their lands in India and grow their trade network.

In total, three Anglo-Burmese Wars were fought:

1. First Anglo-Burmese War (1824–1826)
2. Second Anglo-Burmese War (1852–1853)
3. Third Anglo-Burmese War (1885)

Each war made Burma weaker and helped the British gain more control until they fully annexed Burma into the British Empire.

Anglo-Burmese Wars Timeline

The table below carries a brief timeline of Anglo-Burmese War events. Refer to the table to know a gist of the same: 

Causes of Anglo-Burmese Wars

The causes of the Anglo-Burmese Wars can be understood easily through four main points:

1. Territorial Expansion: The Burmese kings wanted to expand into Assam, Manipur, and Arakan, which worried the British.
2. British Trade Interests: The British wanted to increase trade through Burma’s rivers and forests, rich in timber and resources.
3. Border Disputes: The borders between British India and Burma were not clearly marked, which led to several clashes.
4. French Influence: The British were also afraid that France would become an ally of Burma and threaten British control in Asia.

First Anglo-Burmese War (1824–1826)

The First Anglo-Burmese War started in 1824 when the Burmese army entered Assam and Manipur. The British saw this as a threat to their Indian territories.

The war lasted for two years. The British army, led by Sir Archibald Campbell, attacked and captured key Burmese areas, including Rangoon (Yangon). Despite strong resistance, the Burmese forces were defeated.

First Anglo-Burmese War Treaty – Treaty of Yandabo (1826)

The war ended with the Treaty of Yandabo signed on 24 February 1826.
This treaty was very harsh on the Burmese:

• Burma gave up Assam, Manipur, Arakan, and Tenasserim to the British.
• Burma had to pay a huge amount of money (one million pounds) as war compensation.
• The Burmese agreed to allow British representatives in their capital, Ava.

This war was one of the most expensive in British Indian history and left Burma weak and poor.

Second Anglo-Burmese War (1852–1853)

The Second Anglo-Burmese War took place in 1852. It was mainly caused by British trade and commercial interests. Many British merchants in Rangoon complained that Burmese officials were not treating them fairly.

Using this as an excuse, Lord Dalhousie, the Governor-General of India, sent troops to attack Burma. The British captured Rangoon and Pegu, gaining control of Lower Burma.

Second Anglo-Burmese War Treaty

There was no formal treaty signed after the Second Anglo-Burmese War. However, by 1853, Lower Burma became part of British India.

The Burmese king at that time, Mindon Min, moved his capital to Mandalay and tried to rebuild peace and order in the remaining parts of Burma.

Check Out UPSC CSE Books

Visit PW Store

Third Anglo-Burmese War (1885)

The Third Anglo-Burmese War was the final conflict that ended Burma’s independence. It was fought in 1885 during the rule of King Thibaw Min.

The British were angry because King Thibaw had formed a trade alliance with France, which they saw as a threat. The British used this as a reason to invade Upper Burma.

Within a few weeks, British forces captured Mandalay, the capital of Burma. King Thibaw was taken prisoner and sent to India.

Third Anglo-Burmese War Treaty

After this war, Burma was officially annexed into the British Empire in 1886. It became part of British India, and the rule of the Konbaung dynasty came to an end.

Impacts of the Anglo-Burmese Wars

The Anglo-Burmese Wars had a huge impact on the people and history of Burma:

1. End of Burmese Independence: Burma lost its freedom and became a province of British India.
2. Economic Problems: The wars and payments of indemnity made Burma’s economy very weak.
3. Cultural Changes: British rule brought new systems of education, law, and trade, but traditional Burmese culture faced decline.
4. Rise of Nationalism: Over time, people in Burma started organizing to fight for freedom.
   Leaders like U Aung San helped the country finally gain independence on 4 January 1948.

Ready to boost your UPSC 2026 preparation? Join PW’s UPSC online courses today!

DOWNLOAD PDF