Episode 57: The Burma Campaign

From January 1st, 1886 to January 4th, 1948 Burma was a territory amassed by the British; who seized it for its tremendous wealth. Burma was wealthy due to the Silk Trade route and its agriculture. Burma’s precious resources such as rubies and gems, gas, oil, tin, and rubber made it a prime target for many countries seeking profitable commodities for the war effort.

References

1. Frey, Kurt M. Colonel. Burma Campaigns: Battles Over Lines Of Communication

2. Schwartz, Jill < https://www.worldwildlife.org/blogs/sustainability-works/posts/myanmar-looks-to-create-sustainable-rubber-industry >

3. Sullivan R, Gordon. < https://history.army.mil/brochures/burma42/burma42.htm >

The Burma Campaign Timeline

January 1st, 1886- Burma is colonized by the British. Burma becomes a British colony.
December 7th, 1941- Bombing of Pearl Harbor triggers American participation in WWII.
January 1942- General Stilwell becomes the leader of the NATC. Reorganized and retrained Chinese to prepare them for the Burma Campaign. The campaign is effective as it led to a string of victories.
August 1943- The Japanese “declared” Burma independence and established occupation of the country. Independence was a mere ploy to gain control of Burma. The Burmese catch on that the Japanese do not intend to grant them true independence.
October 1943- The Burma Road Falls into Enemies Hands as a temporary victory for the Japanese. Temporarily defeating exhausted American forces.
December 1944- Allied offensive campaign begins Sin American army meet in Yunnan.
March 27th, 1945- Burmese uprising against Japanese occupation.
June 1945- The Japanese withdraw after being halted in India and leave Burma.
January 4th, 1948- Burma becomes an independent country after two centuries of occupation.