What happened after Burma became independent?

Burma gained its independence from the British Empire in 1948, and after a period of instability General Ne Win seized power in a military coup in 1962. Ne Win quickly set about introducing the ‘Burmese Way to Socialism’, a 28-point manifesto which nationalised all industry and trade, devastated the economy and isolated Burma from the international community. Since military rule began, political opposition has been consistently shackled and human rights have been abused. Ne Win remained president until 1981, but clung on to his role as Chairman until he finally resigned in 1988. Internal bickering among the military leaders then caused the constitution to be annulled, and a re-shuffled military regime emerged which called itself the State Law and Order Restoration Council, later renamed the State Peace and Development Council. They remain in charge under General Than Shwe, head of state since 1992.