Evaluate the economic and social effects of the British colonial system in Burma.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the economic and social effects of the British colonial system on Burma. Candidates may offer equal coverage of social and economic effects, or they may prioritize their evaluation of one of them. However, both aspects will be a feature of the response. Candidates may argue that the colonial period was a time of relative civil order during which the Burmese economy and infrastructure developed rapidly. Agriculture, and in particular rice production, increased dramatically. Railways and roads were also built. There was industrial development with the expansion of ruby mines and extraction of petroleum. However, candidates may argue that these developments only benefited the British, especially as cheap Indian labour was often used to replace Burmese farmers and workers. Candidates may evaluate the impact of colonialism on the structures within Burmese society. The Burmese monarchy was dismantled in 1885 and King Thibaw was sent into exile. The demise of the monarchy also led to a decline in the role and influence of Buddhist monks within Burmese society. This was particularly visible in the educational system which now became secular and controlled by the missionaries. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.