In 1753, a local Burmese official of the small town of
Shwebo, about 100 kilometers north of Ava, by the name of Alaungpaya
(according to other sources: Alaungsaya) starts a revolt against
the reign of the Mon in Ava. Shortly after, he succeeds to conquer
Ava. Only a few years later, in 1757, King Alaungpaya conquers
the Mon capital Bago.
In 1759 Alaungpaya starts a campaign against Siam.
But during the siege Alaungpaya is injured and dies on the retreat
to Myanmar. He is succeeded on the Burmese throne by his eldest
son Naungdawgyi. In 1763 Naungdawgyi's younger brother
Hsinbyushin becomes the Burmese King.
After a siege of 14 months the Burmese army finally succeeds in
1767 to conquer the Siamese capital Ayutthaya. The town
is so completely destroyed that after the retreat of the Burmese
army the Siamese don't bother to attempt restoration. After a
few years of transitory confusion they turn Bangkok into
their new capital.
In 1782 Alaungpaya's fifth son, Bodawpaya becomes
King of the Burmese. During his reign, which lasts until his death
in 1819, the Burmese realm expands, with the conquest of
Arakan, to the West. This leads to conflicts with the British
Empire, which at that time is already securely established
in Bangladesh and wields a strong influence over the Indian subcontinent
from its base Calcutta.
Other Historical eras:
This page: http://www.cockatoo.com/english/myanmar/myanmar_history_konbaug.htm
