Decolonizzazione, scissionismo e rivolte dei vari popoli nell'Alta Birmania: mutamenti sociali avvenuti dopo l'indipendenza dell'Unione Birmana dal 1948 ad oggi

Traditional kingships and other local governments that evolved among Burma's peoples over many centuries were largely stripped of their authority after Britain's 19th century conquest of Burma. Colonial administration continued with limited local self-government until the Union of Burma achieved independence in 1948. The new state became an independent federal republic and the bicameral parliament came into being. The new government, although beset by ethnic strife as minority peoples demanded autonomy from the Burmese majority, survived as a representative government until a military coup in 1962 that ended the Democratic rule. Since Burmese independence, Burma (actually Myanmar) were marked by successive insurgencies, beset with demands of the various ethnic groups all wanting a measure of autonomy. Burma's diverse population played a major role in defining its politics, history, culture and demographics. The various ethnic groups had been demanding and are still striving for autonomy despite central government oppression. The country continues to struggle to mend its ethnic tensions.