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Study Guide: Myanmar under the SPDC: 1988-2011

Cheat Sheet:
Myanmar under the SPDC: 1988-2011 Study Guide

Formation and Evolution of Military Rule

The State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) ruled Burma (Myanmar) from 1988 until 2011.

Answer: False

Explanation: The State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) ruled Burma (Myanmar) from November 15, 1997, until its dissolution on March 30, 2011. Its predecessor, the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC), ruled from September 18, 1988.

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The State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) was formed in response to the 1988 pro-democracy protests.

Answer: True

Explanation: The State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) was established by the military on September 18, 1988, following the suppression of the widespread pro-democracy demonstrations known as the 8888 Uprising.

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The SPDC officially replaced the SLORC on September 18, 1988.

Answer: False

Explanation: The SPDC was officially formed on November 15, 1997, as a reconstitution of the SLORC, not on September 18, 1988.

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Upon taking power, the SLORC maintained the existing legislative and cabinet structures from the 1974 constitution.

Answer: False

Explanation: Upon seizing power in 1988, the SLORC abolished all state organs established under the 1974 constitution, including the Pyithu Hluttaw (legislature) and the Council of Ministers (Cabinet).

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The SPDC acted as the supreme ruling council, succeeding the Council of State.

Answer: True

Explanation: The SPDC functioned as the supreme ruling council, effectively controlling the state apparatus and succeeding previous ruling bodies like the Council of State and the SLORC.

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The 8888 Uprising led to the strengthening of democratic institutions in Myanmar.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 8888 Uprising was suppressed by the military, leading to the formation of the SLORC and the subsequent strengthening of military rule, not democratic institutions.

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The SLORC, the SPDC's predecessor, replaced the Pyithu Hluttaw as the ruling body.

Answer: True

Explanation: The SLORC, upon seizing power, abolished the Pyithu Hluttaw (the legislative body under the 1974 constitution) and assumed its role as the nation's ruling body.

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What military government succeeded the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC)?

Answer: The State Peace and Development Council (SPDC)

Explanation: The State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) was formed on November 15, 1997, as the successor to the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC).

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When was the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) formed?

Answer: September 18, 1988

Explanation: The State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) was formed on September 18, 1988, by the military after seizing power.

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Which event prompted the creation of the SLORC?

Answer: The 8888 Uprising

Explanation: The SLORC was formed in the aftermath of the 8888 Uprising, a series of pro-democracy protests that the military suppressed.

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Which governmental bodies did the SLORC abolish upon seizing power in 1988?

Answer: The Council of Ministers and the Pyithu Hluttaw

Explanation: Upon taking power in 1988, the SLORC abolished the Council of Ministers (Cabinet) and the Pyithu Hluttaw (legislature) established under the 1974 constitution.

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What was the significance of the 8888 Uprising in the context of the SPDC's formation?

Answer: It was suppressed by the military, leading to the formation of the SLORC.

Explanation: The 8888 Uprising, a series of pro-democracy protests, was suppressed by the military, which then seized power and formed the SLORC, the precursor to the SPDC.

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The SPDC was formed from which predecessor council?

Answer: The State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC)

Explanation: The State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) was formed on November 15, 1997, as a reconstitution of its predecessor, the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC).

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Leadership and Internal Structure

General Saw Maung was the longest-serving leader of the SPDC.

Answer: False

Explanation: General Saw Maung led the SLORC from 1988 until April 1992. Senior General Than Shwe succeeded him and led the SLORC and later the SPDC until its dissolution in 2011, making Than Shwe the longest-serving leader.

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The SPDC was composed of approximately 20 senior military officers.

Answer: False

Explanation: The SPDC was composed of eleven senior military officers, not approximately twenty.

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Regional military commanders were integral members of the SPDC when it was reconstituted in 1997.

Answer: False

Explanation: When the SLORC was reconstituted as the SPDC in 1997, powerful regional military commanders were promoted and transferred to the capital but were excluded from the SPDC's membership.

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The SPDC was a civilian government that worked closely with the Tatmadaw.

Answer: False

Explanation: The SPDC was a military junta, not a civilian government. It was the ruling body of the Tatmadaw (Burmese Armed Forces).

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Maung Aye held the position of Chairman within the SPDC structure.

Answer: False

Explanation: Maung Aye served as the Vice-Chairman of the SPDC. Senior General Than Shwe held the position of Chairman.

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Who succeeded General Saw Maung as Chairman of the SLORC and continued as Chairman of the SPDC?

Answer: Than Shwe

Explanation: General Than Shwe succeeded General Saw Maung as Chairman of the SLORC in April 1992 and continued in this role as Chairman of the SPDC until its dissolution in 2011.

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How were powerful regional military commanders treated during the 1997 reconstitution of the SLORC into the SPDC?

Answer: They were excluded from the new SPDC membership.

Explanation: During the 1997 reconstitution of the SLORC into the SPDC, powerful regional military commanders were promoted and transferred to the capital but were not included as members of the new SPDC.

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The SPDC was the ruling junta of which armed forces?

Answer: The Tatmadaw (Burmese Armed Forces)

Explanation: The SPDC was the ruling junta of the Tatmadaw, which comprises the armed forces of Myanmar.

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Which position did Maung Aye hold within the SPDC leadership?

Answer: Vice-Chairman

Explanation: Maung Aye held the position of Vice-Chairman within the SPDC leadership structure, serving under Chairman Than Shwe.

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Which of the following is a correct statement about the SPDC's composition?

Answer: It was composed of eleven senior military officers.

Explanation: The SPDC was composed of eleven senior military officers, who held significant power within the government structure.

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What was the SPDC's relationship with the Tatmadaw?

Answer: The SPDC was the ruling junta of the Tatmadaw.

Explanation: The SPDC served as the ruling junta of the Tatmadaw, the armed forces of Myanmar, with its members being senior military officers.

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Political Actions and Opposition

The Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) was established by the SPDC in 1993 and later became the Union Solidarity and Development Party.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) was established by the military regime in 1993 and subsequently transformed into the Union Solidarity and Development Party in 2010.

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The SPDC accepted the results of the 1990 general election, which had been won overwhelmingly by the National League for Democracy.

Answer: False

Explanation: The SPDC rejected the results of the 1990 general election, despite the National League for Democracy's decisive victory.

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The SPDC's approach to political opposition involved dialogue and negotiation.

Answer: False

Explanation: The SPDC regime suppressed political opposition through arrests, detention, and house arrest, rather than engaging in dialogue and negotiation.

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What organization did the SPDC establish on September 15, 1993?

Answer: The Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA)

Explanation: The SPDC established the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) on September 15, 1993, as a mass organization.

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What was the SPDC's response to the results of the 1990 Burmese general election?

Answer: They rejected the results.

Explanation: The SPDC rejected the results of the 1990 general election, despite the National League for Democracy's significant victory.

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Which of the following best describes the SPDC's approach to political opposition?

Answer: Suppressing dissent through arrests and detention

Explanation: The SPDC regime primarily suppressed political opposition through methods such as arrests, detention, and house arrest, rather than fostering open political participation.

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What was the ultimate fate of the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) under the SPDC's strategy?

Answer: It was replaced by the Union Solidarity and Development Party in 2010.

Explanation: The Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA), established by the military, was transformed into the Union Solidarity and Development Party in 2010 to contest elections.

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What was the SPDC's stance on the 1990 election results?

Answer: Rejected

Explanation: The SPDC rejected the results of the 1990 general election, despite the National League for Democracy's significant victory.

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What was the SPDC's approach to the results of the 1990 general election?

Answer: They were rejected by the SPDC.

Explanation: The SPDC rejected the results of the 1990 general election, refusing to transfer power to the National League for Democracy, which had won overwhelmingly.

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Human Rights Abuses and International Scrutiny

Human rights organizations accused the SPDC of minimal human rights violations.

Answer: False

Explanation: Human rights organizations accused the SPDC regime of widespread and gross human rights abuses, including murder, torture, rape, and forced labor.

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Allegations against the SPDC regime included the recruitment of child soldiers, some as young as 10 years old.

Answer: True

Explanation: Reports from human rights organizations alleged that the SPDC forcibly recruited children, some as young as 10, into the armed forces.

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The UN Secretary-General praised the SPDC for adhering to international standards regarding child soldiers.

Answer: False

Explanation: The UN Secretary-General repeatedly named the SPDC in official reports for violating international standards prohibiting the recruitment and use of child soldiers.

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The International Labour Organization (ILO) reported that forced labor was uncommon under the SPDC.

Answer: False

Explanation: The ILO reported that forced labor was widespread in Myanmar under the SPDC, primarily imposed by the military for various duties.

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The ILO considered prosecuting SPDC members at the International Criminal Court for forced labor allegations.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2006, the ILO announced its intention to seek prosecution of ruling junta members at the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity related to forced labor.

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An estimated 800,000 people were subjected to forced labor by the military in Myanmar, according to the ILO.

Answer: True

Explanation: The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimated that approximately 800,000 people were subjected to forced labor by the military in Myanmar.

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Detainees and defendants under the SPDC generally had full access to legal counsel.

Answer: False

Explanation: Detainees and defendants under the SPDC often faced unfair trial standards, including the denial of access to legal counsel, particularly in cases involving anti-terrorism legislation.

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The SPDC was accused of violating international humanitarian law, particularly concerning actions against ethnic minorities.

Answer: True

Explanation: The SPDC regime faced accusations of violating international humanitarian law, notably through military actions and alleged abuses against ethnic minority populations.

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Which of the following human rights violations was NOT explicitly alleged against the SPDC regime in the source text?

Answer: Use of chemical weapons

Explanation: The provided text details allegations of child soldier recruitment, political imprisonment, and torture, but does not mention the use of chemical weapons.

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What was the UN Secretary-General's stance on the SPDC's use of child soldiers?

Answer: The UN named the SPDC for violating child soldier standards.

Explanation: The UN Secretary-General repeatedly named the SPDC in official reports for violating international standards concerning the prohibition of child soldier recruitment and use.

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What action did the International Labour Organization (ILO) consider taking against the SPDC in 2006?

Answer: Seeking prosecution at the International Criminal Court

Explanation: In November 2006, the ILO announced its intention to seek prosecution of ruling junta members at the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity related to forced labor.

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What was the estimated number of people subjected to forced labor by the military in Myanmar, according to the ILO?

Answer: 800,000

Explanation: The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimated that approximately 800,000 people were subjected to forced labor by the military in Myanmar.

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Which legal right was commonly denied to detainees and defendants under the SPDC, particularly in anti-terrorism cases?

Answer: The right to legal counsel

Explanation: Detainees and defendants under the SPDC frequently faced denial of the right to legal counsel, especially in cases prosecuted under anti-terrorism legislation.

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The SPDC was accused of violating international humanitarian law primarily in relation to:

Answer: Military actions against ethnic minority populations

Explanation: The SPDC regime faced significant accusations of violating international humanitarian law, particularly concerning its military actions and alleged abuses against ethnic minority populations.

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What was the SPDC's stance on international humanitarian law?

Answer: Accused of violations, particularly against ethnic minorities.

Explanation: The SPDC regime was accused of numerous violations of international humanitarian law, with particular concern raised regarding actions against ethnic minority populations.

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Socio-Economic Context

Rangoon (Yangon) remained the capital of Myanmar throughout the entire period of SPDC rule.

Answer: False

Explanation: Rangoon served as the capital until 2006, when the administrative capital was moved to Naypyidaw.

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The official language of Myanmar under the SPDC was English.

Answer: False

Explanation: The official language of Myanmar during the SPDC's rule was Burmese.

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Theravada Buddhism was recognized as the official religion of Myanmar starting in 2008.

Answer: True

Explanation: Theravada Buddhism was officially recognized as the state religion of Myanmar in 2008.

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Myanmar's population was estimated to be around 50 million in 2000.

Answer: False

Explanation: Myanmar's population was estimated at approximately 46.7 million in 2000, not 50 million.

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In 2010, Myanmar's GDP was estimated at over $150 billion using nominal values.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 2010, Myanmar's GDP was estimated at $152.150 billion using Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) and $38.080 billion using nominal values.

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Myanmar's Human Development Index (HDI) in 2011 was considered high.

Answer: False

Explanation: Myanmar's Human Development Index (HDI) in 2011 was 0.526, which is classified as low, not high.

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The currency used in Myanmar during the SPDC's rule was the Dollar.

Answer: False

Explanation: The currency used in Myanmar during the SPDC's rule was the Kyat, not the Dollar.

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Myanmar's total land area during the SPDC's rule was approximately 1 million square kilometers.

Answer: False

Explanation: Myanmar's total land area is 676,570 square kilometers (261,230 square miles), not approximately 1 million square kilometers.

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The SPDC issued the 'Law Relating to Adaptation of Expressions, 2011'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The SPDC regime enacted various laws and decrees, including the 'Law Relating to Adaptation of Expressions, 2011', which reflected its authority over the legal system.

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What was the capital of Myanmar moved to in 2006?

Answer: Naypyidaw

Explanation: In 2006, the administrative capital of Myanmar was moved from Rangoon (Yangon) to Naypyidaw.

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What was Myanmar's estimated GDP in 2010 using Purchasing Power Parity (PPP)?

Answer: $152.150 billion

Explanation: In 2010, Myanmar's GDP was estimated at $152.150 billion using Purchasing Power Parity (PPP).

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What was the total land area of Myanmar during the SPDC's rule?

Answer: Both A and C

Explanation: Myanmar's total land area is 676,570 square kilometers, which is equivalent to 261,230 square miles.

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What was the estimated population of Myanmar in 2010?

Answer: Approximately 50.6 million

Explanation: Myanmar's population was estimated to be approximately 50.6 million in 2010.

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Which of the following statements about the SPDC's legal framework is accurate?

Answer: It issued decrees like the 'Law Relating to Adaptation of Expressions, 2011'.

Explanation: The SPDC regime enacted various laws and decrees, such as the 'Law Relating to Adaptation of Expressions, 2011', demonstrating its control over the legal system.

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Which of the following was NOT a capital city of Myanmar during the period 1988-2011?

Answer: Mandalay

Explanation: Rangoon (Yangon) served as the capital until 2006, when Naypyidaw became the capital. Mandalay was never the official capital during this period.

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What was the official language of Myanmar under the SPDC?

Answer: Burmese

Explanation: The official language of Myanmar during the SPDC's rule was Burmese.

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What was Myanmar's Human Development Index (HDI) in 2011?

Answer: 0.526

Explanation: Myanmar's Human Development Index (HDI) was recorded as 0.526 in 2011, indicating a low level of development.

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What was the estimated GDP of Myanmar in 2010 using nominal values?

Answer: $38.080 billion

Explanation: In 2010, Myanmar's GDP was estimated at $38.080 billion using nominal values.

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What was the SPDC's role in the country's legal framework?

Answer: It issued decrees like the 'Law Relating to Adaptation of Expressions, 2011'.

Explanation: The SPDC regime exercised control over the legal system, issuing decrees such as the 'Law Relating to Adaptation of Expressions, 2011'.

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Key Events and Dissolution

The SPDC was dissolved on March 30, 2011, under the leadership of Senior General Than Shwe.

Answer: True

Explanation: The State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) was officially dissolved on March 30, 2011, by decree of its Chairman, Senior General Than Shwe, marking the end of its direct rule.

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During the 2007 demonstrations, authorities released numerous government opponents.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the 2007 demonstrations, authorities arrested numerous government opponents, rather than releasing them.

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Approximately 700 political prisoners remained in detention at the end of 2007 following the crackdown.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following the crackdown on the 2007 demonstrations, approximately 700 political prisoners remained detained by the end of that year.

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Aung San Suu Kyi was released from house arrest on November 13, 2010.

Answer: True

Explanation: Aung San Suu Kyi, a prominent opposition leader, was released from house arrest by the SPDC on November 13, 2010.

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After the SPDC's dissolution in 2011, a new government was inaugurated, but military influence ceased entirely.

Answer: False

Explanation: While a new government was inaugurated after the SPDC's dissolution in 2011, military influence persisted, and subsequent events indicate a cyclical pattern of military rule.

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The SPDC dissolved on March 30, 2011, and was succeeded by the State Administration Council (SAC).

Answer: False

Explanation: The SPDC dissolved on March 30, 2011, and was succeeded by a new civilian government led by President Thein Sein, not the State Administration Council (SAC), which emerged much later.

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The SPDC oversaw Myanmar's accession to ASEAN on July 23, 1997.

Answer: True

Explanation: Myanmar, under the rule of the SPDC, officially joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on July 23, 1997.

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The Saffron Revolution occurred in August 2007 during the SPDC's rule.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Saffron Revolution, a series of protests against the military government, took place in August 2007 during the SPDC's period of rule.

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On what date was the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) officially dissolved?

Answer: March 30, 2011

Explanation: The State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) was officially dissolved on March 30, 2011.

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How did the SPDC handle displaced persons after Cyclone Nargis in 2008, according to reports?

Answer: They expelled thousands from shelters and encouraged return to destroyed villages.

Explanation: Following Cyclone Nargis, authorities allegedly expelled thousands of displaced persons from shelters and encouraged their return to damaged villages, prioritizing political events over humanitarian aid.

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During the 2007 demonstrations, what action did authorities take against government opponents?

Answer: They arrested numerous opponents.

Explanation: During the 2007 demonstrations, authorities arrested numerous government opponents, including members of the National League for Democracy.

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Aung San Suu Kyi was released from house arrest by the SPDC on what date?

Answer: November 13, 2010

Explanation: Aung San Suu Kyi was released from her prolonged period of house arrest by the SPDC on November 13, 2010.

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Who led the new government inaugurated after the SPDC's dissolution in 2011?

Answer: Thein Sein

Explanation: Following the SPDC's dissolution in 2011, the new government was inaugurated with Thein Sein as President.

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Which major internal event occurred in August 2007 during the SPDC's rule?

Answer: The Saffron Revolution

Explanation: The Saffron Revolution, a significant series of protests against the military government, took place in August 2007 during the SPDC's rule.

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What was the SPDC's role in the country's accession to ASEAN?

Answer: They oversaw Myanmar's accession to ASEAN.

Explanation: The SPDC oversaw Myanmar's official accession to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on July 23, 1997.

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The SPDC was dissolved in 2011, and power eventually returned to a military junta following which significant political event?

Answer: The 2021 Myanmar coup d'état

Explanation: Following the SPDC's dissolution in 2011 and a period of civilian government, power returned to a military junta after the 2021 Myanmar coup d'état, indicating a cyclical pattern of military rule.

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Which major event occurred in November 2010 during the SPDC's rule?

Answer: The release of Aung San Suu Kyi and the general election

Explanation: In November 2010, two significant events occurred during the SPDC's rule: the release of Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest and the holding of a general election.

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National Identity and Symbols

The country was known as the Union of Burma from 1988 until 1989.

Answer: True

Explanation: The country was officially known as the Union of Burma from 1988 until its name was changed to the Union of Myanmar in 1989.

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The official name change from Burma to Myanmar occurred on June 18, 1989.

Answer: True

Explanation: The government officially changed the country's name from the Union of Burma to the Union of Myanmar on June 18, 1989.

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Myanmar used only one national flag design throughout the entire period from 1988 to 2011.

Answer: False

Explanation: Myanmar utilized at least two national flag designs between 1988 and 2011, reflecting changes in national symbols during that era.

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Which of the following was NOT an official name for the country during the period of military rule from 1988 to 2011?

Answer: Burmese Republic

Explanation: The country was known as the Union of Burma from 1988 to 1989, and then officially renamed the Union of Myanmar in 1989. 'Burmese Republic' was not an official designation during this period.

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