Conflicted: A History Podcast The 1971 Bangladesh War – Part 1: Land of Broken Maps
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Jun 8, 2024 Explore the tumultuous events leading up to the 1971 Bangladesh War. Discover how the rushed 1947 partition created enduring political divides. Meet key figures like Yahya Khan and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as grievances over language and identity heighten tensions. Relive the tragic aftermath of the 1952 protests—the catalyst for shattered trust. Hear harrowing survivor stories from the Bola Cyclone, illustrating government neglect and fueling a desire for autonomy. This is just the beginning of the journey into a pivotal moment in history.
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Conflict With Global Consequences
- The 1971 conflict began as a contested election and escalated into civil war involving regional and global powers.
- It produced Bangladesh and shifted South Asian power balance toward India.
Bengal's Geography Shapes Its Fate
- Bengal sits on a vast river delta formed by the Ganges and Brahmaputra flowing into the Bay of Bengal.
- Its flat, watery geography shaped economy, culture, and vulnerability to cyclones.
Plassey: Local Battle, Global Empire
- In 1757 at Plassey, a large Bengali army collapsed after defections and the East India Company seized Bengal.
- That small victory launched British dominance and massive extraction from the region.
