Lost Footsteps
Lost Footsteps

The 1950s at Home and Abroad

In the 1950s, Burma was still suffering the devastating impacts of World War Two, with a destroyed infrastructure and hard-to-revive- economy. Additionally, the country was having to deal with its own political precarity and a civil war that had begun within months of becoming independent from Britain. Uncertainty also prevailed beyond Burma's borders: there was the recent revolution in neighbouring China and the onset of the Cold War globally.

Despite all this, the 1950s was a time of hope. For a short while, Burma would have a fairly democratic government, open society, and free media. Burmese leaders also had a vision for the country's place in the world and worked hard to establish its new identity outside the Commonwealth. This section examines how new independent Burma was impacted by events both at home and abroad.

The Future of 1946

The Future of 1946

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Burmese at the UN 1955

Burmese at the UN 1955

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Sule Pagoda Road c. 1950s

Sule Pagoda Road c. 1950s

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U Thant at the Ministry of Information c. 1951

U Thant at the Ministry of Information c. 1951

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A Visit to to Rangoon by Princess Alexandra of Kent, Cousin of Queen Elizabeth in 1951

A Visit to to Rangoon by Princess Alexandra of Kent, Cousin of Queen Elizabeth in 1951

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Burma on a 1952 Cold War Map

Burma on a 1952 Cold War Map

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Kalaw Railway Station c. 1952

Kalaw Railway Station c. 1952

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Near Goodliffe Road with a View of the Reclining Buddha c. 1952

Near Goodliffe Road with a View of the Reclining Buddha c. 1952

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Foreign Advisors and Officials of Myanmar in the 1950s

Foreign Advisors and Officials of Myanmar in the 1950s

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Rangoon 1953

Rangoon 1953

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Downtown Rangoon 1953

Downtown Rangoon 1953

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U Nu on the cover of Time Magazine

U Nu on the cover of Time Magazine

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During the Heyday of Burmese Diplomacy

During the Heyday of Burmese Diplomacy

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Getting Ready for Independence Day Celebrations 1956

Getting Ready for Independence Day Celebrations 1956

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President U Ba U in His Series 62 Cadillac Convertible

President U Ba U in His Series 62 Cadillac Convertible

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San Francisco Ballet performing Swan Lake

San Francisco Ballet performing Swan Lake

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When Rangoon Had Proper Taxi Companies - 1957

When Rangoon Had Proper Taxi Companies - 1957

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Mandalay 1958

Mandalay 1958

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Daw Aye Aye Than at the UN in 1961

Daw Aye Aye Than at the UN in 1961

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No Parking in Rangoon

No Parking in Rangoon

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Legendary Jazz Musician Count Basie in Myanmar

Legendary Jazz Musician Count Basie in Myanmar

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