Rangoon, which is now known as Yangon, was an important port located between India and Singapore during British rule in 1886. At the time, Myanmar was known as Burma for short.
From the very beginning of the colonial process, there was a strong sentiment of animosity against the British's control, and Buddhist monks played a significant role in the campaign for independence.
Significant efforts towards autonomy were made just before the onset of World War II in 1937, when Burma became a separately controlled province of Britain, with Ba Maw appointed as the first Prime Minister and Premier of Burma.
At the beginning of the battle, Ba Maw established the Burma Independence Army in Japan. Some Burmese people saw the rising of Japan as an opportunity to obtain independence from Britain.
By March 1942, the Japanese had taken control of Burma. During World War II, a significant number of Burmese soldiers initially fought on the side of the Japanese, but a significant number also fought for the British. In 1945, the Burmese army decided to switch its allegiance from Japan to the Allied forces.
On February 12, 1947, following the conclusion of the war and the defeat of Japan, the Panglong Agreement was concluded, which ultimately resulted in the unity of Burma as an independent state.
On January 4, 1948, the Union of Burma was able to complete its independence from the British government. In a notable move, it did not accept membership in the British Commonwealth. U Nu established himself as the nation's first Prime Minister and Shan National Sao Shwe Taik became the nation's first President.
In 1989, the military government of Burma changed the country's name to Myanmar.
