Colonialism

Yes, it is true that the British sought to gain control over Myanmar (then known as Burma). This objective was realized through a series of Anglo-Burmese Wars in the 19th century, resulting in the gradual annexation of Burma into British India.

• First Anglo-Burmese War (1824-1826): This war began due to conflicts over territory and trade along the border between British India and Burma. The British emerged victorious, gaining control of Arakan and Tenasserim.
• Second Anglo-Burmese War (1852): This war resulted in the British annexation of Lower Burma, driven by economic interests and the desire to control the Irrawaddy River delta.
• Third Anglo-Burmese War (1885): This war led to the complete annexation of Upper Burma, effectively bringing the entire country under British rule. The British exiled the Burmese King Thibaw Min and established Burma as a province of British India.

The British aimed to exploit Burma's natural resources, including teak, oil, and rice, and to secure a strategic foothold in Southeast Asia.

You can find more information on this topic on the following resources:

• Britannica - Myanmar - British Rule

Several factors favored the company's conquests, though the specific company and context are needed to provide a complete picture. Below are some general factors that have historically contributed to successful conquests:

• Military Superiority:

  Advanced weaponry, superior tactics, better training, and a well-supplied army often gave a significant advantage. For instance, the British East India Company's use of disciplined, trained troops, and advanced firearms played a key role in their dominance in India.

• Political Fragmentation:

  Divided and warring local factions made it easier for a foreign power to play groups against each other, exploit internal conflicts, and gradually assert control.

• Economic Power:

  Control over trade routes, valuable resources, and financial institutions provided the means to fund military campaigns, bribe local rulers, and establish economic dominance.

• Technological Advantages:

  Innovations in transportation, communication, and medicine often supported conquest. For example, steamships and telegraphs facilitated communication and movement, while advances in medicine reduced mortality among the colonizing forces.

• Diplomacy and Alliances:

  Forming strategic alliances with local powers or other European nations could provide crucial support and legitimacy.

• Disease:

  The introduction of diseases to which the local population had no immunity could decimate communities, weakening their ability to resist conquest. This was a significant factor in the colonization of the Americas by Europeans.

• Administrative Efficiency:

  A well-organized and efficient administrative system allowed the company to effectively manage conquered territories, extract resources, and maintain control.

Vasco de Almeida, while serving as the viceroy of Portuguese India, implemented a policy oftolerance towards Hinduism.

During his time in Goa, he reversed the hostile policies of his predecessor, Dom Francisco Barreto, who had ordered the destruction of Hindu temples. De Almeida instead allowed the construction of new temples and even participated in Hindu festivals, demonstrating a more inclusive approach.