Imperialism in India 1757-1947

History The British had economic interests in India beginning in the 1600’s Opened the British East India Company At first the Mughal Empire controlled the Europeans traders but as the Empire began to fall apart the British found it easy to gain control.

British East India Company 1757- Battle of Plassey- Led by Robert Clive Company troops were victorious over Mughals British East India Company became leading power in India Ruled without any interference from the British government Had their own army, made up of sepoys (Indian Soldiers)

India was a major supplier of raw materials Indians must buy finished goods from Britain Indians must produce raw materials for Britain Jewel in the Crown Tea, indigo, coffee, cotton, and jute, opium

Cause of Sepoy Rebellion Sepoy’s (Indian Soldiers) learned the cartridges of their rifles were sealed with beef and pork fat. To use the cartridges the soldiers had to bit off the seal. Hindus consider the cow sacred and Muslims do not eat pork Both groups were outraged

Sepoy Rebellion British officers jailed any soldier who refused to use the cartridges May 10, 1857: the Sepoys rebelled It took the East India Company more than a year to regain control of the country. The British government sent troops to help.

Why didn’t the Indians stay united? Hindus and Sikhs did not want the Mughal Empire to regain control

Government of India Act August 2, 1858: British Parliament passed the Government of India Act Transferred authority for India from the East India Company to Queen Victoria 1876: Queen Victoria declared herself “Empress of India.” Began a viceroy system: Viceroy governed in the name of the Queen.

Suez Canal: 1869 Suez Canal was completed It reduced the time for sea passage to India from 3 months to 3 weeks British women began to come to India British developed their own society in India More British goods were imported to India, effectively destroying many Indian crafts

Impact of Colonialism Positive Results: 3rd largest railroad system Modern economy Unified the many regions Telephone lines Dams, bridges, canals Improved Sanitation and public health Improved Education Literacy increased End to local warfare Negative Results: British held economic and political power Restricted Indian owned industries Cash crops led to famine Racism of British people