Overview of the Pro-Democracy Movement in Burma 1945-2010

Syllabus Topic

Change in the Modern World

Option A: Pro-democracy Movement in Burma 1945-2010

• Independence and democracy, including:

• The rise of the military in Burma, including:

• The uprising of 1988 and the election of Aung San Suu Kyi in 1990, including:

• The response of the military government 1990-2010, including:

From 1945 to 2010, Burma (now Myanmar) went through major political changes. The pro-democracy movement was shaped by student protests, ethnic tensions, the military’s grip on power, and the inspiring leadership of figures like Aung San Suu Kyi. The movement reveals the power of civil resistance, the fragility of authoritarian rule, and hopes for political freedom.

Military Rule and the Beginning of Resistance

After World War II, Burma became independent from British rule in 1948. However, this early democracy was fragile, as the country struggled with civil war and division. In 1962, General Ne Win took control in a military coup, dissolving parliament and ending democratic governance. The economy collapsed, leading to widespread poverty, hardship, and distress.

The 1988 Uprising and the Rise of the NLD

The situation peaked in 1988 with the 8888 Uprising, when students began protesting against the government, demanding an end to military rule, democratic elections, better living conditions, and freedoms. The military responded with brutal forces—thousands were killed, and many more imprisoned or disappeared. Out of the uprising, Aung San Suu Kyi, the daughter of independence hero General Aung San, helped form the National League for Democracy (NLD) and became the face of the pro-democracy movement.

The 1990 Election and Its Rejection by the Junta

In 1990, the military allowed an election, and the NLD won a huge majority. The military junta refused to accept the results, imprisoning many NLD leaders and further tightening its control. Aung San Suu Kyi was put under house arrest, where she stayed for most of the next 20 years. Despite this, the NLD and Aung San Suu Kyi gained support from around the world. In 1991, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her peaceful resistance.

The 2007 Saffron Revolution

In 2007, a sudden rise in fuel prices caused new protests led by Buddhist monks. These protests became known as the Saffron Revolution, and were responded with violence by the military beating and arresting monks and protestors. Although the protests were stopped, the protests symbolised the spirit of resistance and drew international attention.

The 2008 Constitution and the 2010 Election

In 2008, the military wrote a new constitution, which gave the army even more power and dominance. In 2010, the military held a general election, which was widely condemned as unfair. The NLD boycotted the poll, and the newly created Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP)—a military proxy—won the election. Although the election and Aung San Suu Kyi’s release in November 2010 marked the beginning of a transitional phase, Burma remained far from genuine democracy.

Conclusion

Between 1945 and 2010, Burma’s pro-democracy movement faced enormous obstacles—from military violence to political arrests. Throughout these years, ordinary people stood up against authoritarian rule, calling for freedom, justice, and democracy. While success was limited, the movement had made a lasting impact, both inside the country and around the world.

SOURCES:
 

Britannica: U Ne Win

NPR: 8888 Uprising

Britannica: Aung San Suu Kyi

Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats: National League for Democracy

Nobel Peace Center: Aung San Suu Kyi's Nobel Peace Prize

Burma Campaign UK: Saffron Revolution

Myanmar Law Library: Constitution of 2008

Cambridge University Press: The Union Solidarity and Development Party