1. Government in Myanmar

2. Keep in Mind How are the USA and Myamnar similar? How are they different? How can they cooperate to solve problems? In what areas do they compete?

3. Theravada Buddhism Among first non-Indian groups to adopt Buddhism (around 200 BCE), temples and priests play a pivotal role in Myanma arts and culture

4. Bagan Kingdom First major multi-ethnic kingdom (1000-1200 CE) in present day Myanmar Quickly rose to compete with Khmer Empire for control of SE Asia Overthrown by Mongol invasion in 1289

5. Small States Period After the Mongol retreat in the early 1300’s many small Myanma kingdoms rose, lived and were consumed by others. Myanmar also had troubles with neighbor Thailand (which continue to this day) Mandalay, a treasure of art and architecture, was founded and constructed during this period (pics next page)

7. British Raj From 1824-1937, the British Empire controlled Myanmar (burma) During World War II, the Japanese invaded, with some help from Burmese wanting independence- they later returned to the British side. Under the leadership of General Aung San, Myanmar transitioned to independence after the Japanese surrender

8. Decent to Dictatorship Gen Aung San was assassinated in 1947, which set off a string of further, escalating violence. Military leaders took full control in 1962, and have held open elections only once in 1988. Dr. Aung San Suu Kyi, General Aung San’s daughter, was elected to replace the generals, but they squashed her followers and put her under house arrest indefinitely

9. 8-8-88

10. Monks Revolution Supporting poor people’s protests against major food and fuel price hikes, Buddhist monks peacefully marched against the military dictators in September 2007.

13. Minorities Issues Due to the ferocity of the military government, many groups seek independence. For example, the Karen people have fought since 1949 to have their own country. Many refugees have fled to Thailand and the USA.

14. Government Structure All decisions currently made through military chain of command. Strict censorship, use of forced labor (corvee), kidnapping of girls for military brothels, torture and neglect abounds Hit by a huge cyclone in May 2008, military government refused food, medicine and rescue equipment from United Nations. – Estimates of 150,000-200,000 dead.

16. Economy Large amount of undeclared income from narcotics operations in Golden Triangle fuels military dictatorship Burmese Rubies and Pearls also provide a large amount of foreign exchange Best estimates are that the average Myanma lives on less than $.75 per day.

17. What should the USA do? You are the President of the USA. It is known that people in this country are suffering after peaceful protests. What could/should you do? – What might be the benefits of your action? – What might be the drawbacks of your actions?