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This session looks at the decline of British imperialism during and after the Second World War, rising nationalism in Asia and Africa, as well as how some of today’s ethnic and religious tensions in Myanmar have their origins in this period.
What will we cover?
How did the rapid collapse of British authority in SE Asia in 1942 make its restoration in the region so difficult?
How can the current tensions in Rakhine State be traced back to conflicts in 1942-45?
To what extent were African soldiers who fought in Burma influenced by their experiences to campaign for independence on their own continent when they returned home?
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Learners will have a better understanding of how the Second World War was a catalyst for the end of the British empire in both Asia and Africa. This will help you to understand the Second World War differently; not just as a fight for freedom and democracy in Europe, but as part of a global conflict in which many of those fighting hoped to sustain or destroy imperialism.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This session is suitable for newcomers to the topic. You don’t need an understanding of foundational concepts to follow this dramatic, complex and stimulating story.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Illustrated lecture, no work outside class but recommended further reading for those who want it.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Barnaby Phillips was born in London, brought up in Kenya and Switzerland, and worked for 27 years for the BBC and Al Jazeera English, mostly in Africa. He was based in Mozambique, Angola, Nigeria, South Africa and Greece. His first book, ‘Another Man’s War’ (Oneworld 2014) told the story of the African soldiers who fought in Burma in the Second World War. His next book, ‘Loot, Britain and the Benin Bronzes’, (Oneworld 2021) looked at colonial loot, museums and restitutions, and was a Prospect and Art Newspaper Book of the Year. He examines these themes again in his new book, ’The African Kingdom of Gold- Britain and the Asante Treasure,’ published in March 2026.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/burma-and-the-end-of-the-british-empire3066625Burma and the end of the British Empirehttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/h/w/hwh320.jpg2929GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Asian history22851177117819731228511771178<p>Explore how the campaign in Burma accelerated the end of the British Empire. </p>003066619Burma and the end of the British Empire2929https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/h/w/hwh320_1.jpgInStockDaytimeFriKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekday2026-12-04T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allDec 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHWH3202929Burma and the end of the British Empire231929Barnaby Phillipsburma-and-the-end-of-the-british-empire/hwh320-2627<p>Explore how the campaign in Burma accelerated the end of the British Empire. </p>0000-Available|2026-12-04 00:00:00<p>This session looks at the decline of British imperialism during and after the Second World War, rising nationalism in Asia and Africa, as well as how some of today’s ethnic and religious tensions in Myanmar have their origins in this period. </p><p>Explore how the campaign in Burma accelerated the end of the British Empire. </p><ul><li>How did the rapid collapse of British authority in SE Asia in 1942 make its restoration in the region so difficult?</li><li>How can the current tensions in Rakhine State be traced back to conflicts in 1942-45?</li><li> To what extent were African soldiers who fought in Burma influenced by their experiences to campaign for independence on their own continent when they returned home? </li></ul><p>Learners will have a better understanding of how the Second World War was a catalyst for the end of the British empire in both Asia and Africa. This will help you to understand the Second World War differently; not just as a fight for freedom and democracy in Europe, but as part of a global conflict in which many of those fighting hoped to sustain or destroy imperialism.</p><p>This session is suitable for newcomers to the topic. You don’t need an understanding of foundational concepts to follow this dramatic, complex and stimulating story. </p><p>Illustrated lecture, no work outside class but recommended further reading for those who want it. </p><p>There are no additional course costs. </p><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/searchcourse/?q=barnaby+phillips" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">View other upcoming session with Barnaby Phillips</a>.<br><br><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/asian-history" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">View all our Asian history courses here.</a></p>HistoryAsian historyvirtual232919HWH320NONEFri04/12/2612:45 - 14:4512:4514:451 session1One-off onlyDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetBarnaby PhillipsBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-12-04T00:00:00+00:00Dec 2026Culture, history & humanities2929Burma and the end of the British Empireburma-and-the-end-of-the-british-empire/hwh320-2627<p>Explore how the campaign in Burma accelerated the end of the British Empire. </p>0000-Available|2026-12-04 00:00:00<p>This session looks at the decline of British imperialism during and after the Second World War, rising nationalism in Asia and Africa, as well as how some of today’s ethnic and religious tensions in Myanmar have their origins in this period. </p><p>Explore how the campaign in Burma accelerated the end of the British Empire. </p><ul><li>How did the rapid collapse of British authority in SE Asia in 1942 make its restoration in the region so difficult?</li><li>How can the current tensions in Rakhine State be traced back to conflicts in 1942-45?</li><li> To what extent were African soldiers who fought in Burma influenced by their experiences to campaign for independence on their own continent when they returned home? </li></ul><p>Learners will have a better understanding of how the Second World War was a catalyst for the end of the British empire in both Asia and Africa. This will help you to understand the Second World War differently; not just as a fight for freedom and democracy in Europe, but as part of a global conflict in which many of those fighting hoped to sustain or destroy imperialism.</p><p>This session is suitable for newcomers to the topic. You don’t need an understanding of foundational concepts to follow this dramatic, complex and stimulating story. </p><p>Illustrated lecture, no work outside class but recommended further reading for those who want it. </p><p>There are no additional course costs. </p><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/searchcourse/?q=barnaby+phillips" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">View other upcoming session with Barnaby Phillips</a>.<br><br><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/asian-history" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">View all our Asian history courses here.</a></p>HistoryAsian historyconfigurable
19731178Asian historyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/asian-history1/2/285/1177/1178/19731/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Asian history
