British Imperialism in India

Industrial Revolution Source for Raw Materials Markets for Finished Goods European Nationalism Missionary Activity Military & Naval Bases European Motives For Colonization Places to Dump Unwanted/ Excess Popul. Soc. & Eco. Opportunities Humanitarian Reasons European Racism “White Man’s Burden” Social Darwinism Advanced Weaponry

British East India Company Intervened in local wars that pitted Muslims against Hindus. Won trade monopolies from Mughal Empire Trained Indian soldiers (Sepoy) Competed for and won territory from French imperialists.

Robert Clive and the Battle of Plassey: 1757 Pitted Muslim nawabs and French against British and Hindus. Gave British important Bengal region of India.

“Company Men” in India Direct Rule –Three Presidencies Established: Madras Bombay Calcutta Indirect Rule of “Princely States” –British controlled local princes through agents in their courts

The British Raj Aimed both to introduce administrative and social reform and to hold the support of Indian allies by respecting Indian social and religious customs. These contradictory goals led to many inconsistencies in British policies toward India. –British initially enforced caste while introducing a law code that emphasized legal equality –Attempted to outlaw sati –Required sepoys to serve overseas

Reasons Why the British were able to Conquer India Industrialization Mughal disintegration Lack of Indian identity Hindu/Muslim conflict

The British Raj British political and economic influence benefited Indian elites –created jobs in some sectors –Provided education Oppressed the poor –Introduction of British manufactured goods caused the collapse of cottage industries (the traditional textile industry hurt the most). –New taxes forced peasants to grow cash crops not food

The Sepoy Rebellion 1857 Discontent rose among the needy and particularly among the Indian soldiers. Sparked by rumor. The rebellion was suppressed in It gave the British a severe shock.

Results of the Sepoy Rebellion British eliminated the last traces of Mughal and Company rule and installed a new government –administered from London; aided by viceroy. –India officially a member of the British Empire. –the Indian Civil Service, now controlled the Indian masses; in theory opening all offices in colonial government to Indians –continued to emphasize tradition & reform –maintained Indian princes in luxury –and staged elaborate ceremonial pageants known as durbars

Economic Transformation Expanded production and export of cash crops. Improved infrastructure. –irrigation systems –Railroads –telegraph lines. Freer movement of people into the cities caused the spread of cholera. –brought under control with new sewage and filtered water systems

Indian Reaction to Sepoy Rebellion Indian intellectuals tended to turn toward Western secular values and western nationalism as a way of developing a Pan- Indian nationalism that would transcend regional and religious differences. Ram Mohun Roy tried to reconcile Indian religious traditions with Western values

Indian National Congress Indian middle class nationalists convened the first Indian National Congress in 1885 The Congress promoted national unity and argued for greater inclusion of Indians in the Civil Service It was an elite organization with little support from the masses