The Third Anglo-Burmese War ended Burmese independence under the Konbaung dynasty, annexing Upper Burma into British India.
Key Facts
- War dates
- 7–29 November 1885
- Dynasty defeated
- Konbaung dynasty of Upper Burma
- Resistance duration
- Sporadic resistance continued into 1887
- Prior annexation
- Lower Burma annexed by British in 1853
- Separate colony status
- Burma governed as separate colony from 1937
- Independence year
- 1948
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The British had already annexed Lower Burma following the Second Anglo-Burmese War in 1853, leaving the Konbaung dynasty ruling only Upper Burma. Tensions over trade disputes, British commercial interests, and concerns about French influence in the region led Britain to seek full control of the remaining Burmese territory.
Between 7 and 29 November 1885, British forces rapidly defeated the Burmese army, bringing the Konbaung dynasty's rule to an end. The formal military campaign lasted less than a month, though sporadic armed resistance by Burmese fighters continued for roughly two more years until approximately 1887.
Following the war, Burma lost its sovereignty and was incorporated as a province of British India under the British Raj. From 1937 it was administered as a distinct colony, and Burma did not regain independence until 1948, when it became a republic.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent