Saw Maung

ModernGeneralBurma1928 — ?

SLORC chairman who crushed the 8888 uprising.

Compare Saw Maung with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

1928

Country

Burma

Era

Modern

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)50

Political (20%)26

Influence (20%)48

Legacy (20%)40

Leadership (15%)51

Strategy (15%)36

Total Score42.1

Saw Maung — Complete Timeline

1988 AD

Crushed the 8888 UprisingPolitical Action◆ Major

As Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC), Saw Maung ordered a violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests across Burma. Thousands of civilians were killed or arrested, effectively ending the 8888 Uprising.

CrackdownProtestAuthoritarianism

Impact: nationaldestructive

Seized Power in Military CoupPolitical Action◆ Major

Saw Maung led a military coup that overthrew the civilian government of President Maung Maung. He established the SLORC, a military junta that ruled Burma with absolute authority, suspending the constitution.

CoupMilitary JuntaSLORC

Impact: nationaldestructive

1989 AD

Renamed Burma to MyanmarPolitical Action◆ Major

The SLORC under Saw Maung officially changed the country's English name from Burma to Myanmar, and the capital Rangoon to Yangon. The move was controversial and not recognized by many democratic nations.

Name ChangeNational IdentitySLORC

Impact: national

1992 AD

Resigned as SLORC ChairmanPolitical Action

Saw Maung resigned as Chairman of the SLORC, reportedly due to health reasons. He was succeeded by General Than Shwe, who continued the military regime's policies.

ResignationLeadership Change

Impact: national