The Treaty of Yandabo, signed on February 24, 1826, brought an end to the First Anglo-Burmese War, which had lasted from 1824 to 1826. The war was initiated as part of British imperial expansion in Southeast Asia, fueled by a desire to protect trade routes and gain territory. The conflict saw a series of military engagements, with the British East India Company seeking to assert its dominance over the Burmese Empire. As the war progressed, the British forces managed to capture key territories, leading to Burma’s eventual capitulation.

The signing of the treaty took place at Yandabo, located near the river Irrawaddy in central Burma. British envoys and Burmese representatives came together to negotiate terms that would effectively reshape the political landscape of the region. One of the most critical aspects of the treaty was the massive territorial concessions it required Burma to make. These included the cession of the provinces of Arakan, Tenasserim, and parts of Assam, as well as a significant indemnity payment to the British. This marked a substantial loss of land and sovereignty for the Burmese while enhancing British control and influence in Southeast Asia.

In the aftermath, the Treaty of Yandabo had long-lasting repercussions for Burma, solidifying British interests in the region, and contributing to the gradual colonization of Burma and its incorporation into British India. The treaty formalized a relationship that would lead to further conflicts and eventually to full British annexation in the late 19th century. The implications for the Burmese political structure were profound, diminishing the power of the monarchy and leading to a series of domestic challenges that would affect Burma's governance for decades to come.