British Imperialism in India Imperialism in India

Background Mughal Empire was collapsing and other countries took advantage Mughal Empire was collapsing and other countries took advantage –Iranian armies: defeated Mughals and gained Delhi –Indian states tried to assert independence – Martha Confederation and nawabs –Britain, France looked for trade posts

Factors for imperialism Major supplier of raw materials Major supplier of raw materials –Majority were agricultural materials produced on plantations – tea, indigo, coffee, cotton, jute India was considered the brightest “jewel in the crown” because it was the most valuable British colony India was considered the brightest “jewel in the crown” because it was the most valuable British colony

Who invaded? The British – British East India Company (EIC) EIC set up trading posts at Bombay, Madras and Calcutta EIC set up trading posts at Bombay, Madras and Calcutta Battle of Plassey: Robert Clive led troops to victory over Indian forces – EIC became leading power in India Battle of Plassey: Robert Clive led troops to victory over Indian forces – EIC became leading power in India At first, the EIC governed indirectly but eventually when the country of England took over, they governed directly. At first, the EIC governed indirectly but eventually when the country of England took over, they governed directly.

Effects: Positive Railroads (3 rd largest railroad network): developed modern economy and unified connected regions Railroads (3 rd largest railroad network): developed modern economy and unified connected regions Modern road network, telephone and telegraph lines, dams, bridges and irrigation canals were created Modern road network, telephone and telegraph lines, dams, bridges and irrigation canals were created Public health and sanitation improved Public health and sanitation improved Schools and colleges were founded with a literacy increase Schools and colleges were founded with a literacy increase Local warfare among competing local rulers ended Local warfare among competing local rulers ended

Effects: Negative Emphasis on cash crops Emphasis on cash crops –Loss of self-sufficiency –Reduced food production – famine Missionaries and racist British officials threatened Indian traditional life – Indians rebel (Sepoy Mutiny) Missionaries and racist British officials threatened Indian traditional life – Indians rebel (Sepoy Mutiny) The sepoy mutiny (rebellion) was a conflict between the sepoys of India and the British. Fierce fighting occurred and eventually the sepoys captured Delhi. This is one of the independence movements in India.

What has happened since? The Republic of India India finally gained independence in 1947 India finally gained independence in 1947 The majority of India is Hindu The majority of India is Hindu Consists of 25 states and 7 union territories Consists of 25 states and 7 union territories Capital in New Delhi Capital in New Delhi

Present day India Railroads in India

Overall… The effects of British imperialism in India are more positive then they are negative. Great Britain provided India with modernized ideas and technologies. Without the British influence, India would not be the country it is today. The effects of British imperialism in India are more positive then they are negative. Great Britain provided India with modernized ideas and technologies. Without the British influence, India would not be the country it is today.