World History: Libertyville HS Imperialism in India World History: Libertyville HS

Native India Mughal Empire (1526-1857) Empire founded by Mongols Ruled most of northern and central India Fell into decline in early 1700s Southern Indians were getting stronger European forces getting stronger

European Imperialism Background British East India Company (EIC) exploited weakness of Mughals Founded in 1598 by British merchants Competed against Dutch, French trading companies in India Became favorites of Mughals during 1600s Eventually turned on Mughals, defeated them Became leading European power in India after 1757

British East India Company Officially, British government regulated the EIC Actually, EIC ruled India after 1720 Gov’t needed money to fight wars EIC loaned money to British government in exchange for free hand in India EIC maintained a private army, staffed by former British officers and sepoys (native troops)

“Jewel in the Crown” Most valuable of Britain’s colonies New market of 300 million for British goods Ind. Rev created surplus of mfg’d goods in Britain Laws restricted sale of Indian goods, forcing them to buy British

Indian Raw Materials & Cash Crops Tea Coffee Cotton Opium

Effects of Indian Colonialism Positive effects Major railroad network built, making India the world’s most connected country Infrastructure built up, strengthening country (roads, canals, telephone lines, irrigation, dams) British built schools & college, increasing (English) literacy British cleared India of bandits, ending local tribal warfare

Effects of Indian Colonialism Negative effects British held all political & economic power and kept industrialization low Emphasis on cash crops hurt native villages Racism threatened traditional Indian way of life Social division Upper class Indians becoming “British” Lower class Indians clung to their traditions

Sepoy Mutiny (1857) Rumors spread that cartridges for guns of sepoy were sealed with pig or cow fat Sepoy had to bite cartridge to break seal Muslims don’t eat pork Hindus considered cow sacred Both religious groups were outraged and refused the cartridges British handled it badly, imprisoning sepoy who refused cartridges

Sepoy Mutiny Sepoy rebelled, slaughtering their white officers and other British citizens Uprising spread throughout India Brutal fighting occurred, as both sides tried to kill the other side completely EIC needed British gov’t help Indians failed to coordinate their attacks against the EIC, British Result was that British Army crushed mutiny

The Raj (1857-1947) British cabinet minister put in charge of India British governor carried out orders of Home Government Increased racism Led to birth of Indian Nationalism Indians resented 2nd class status in own country Denied good jobs Paid less than whites Nationalist groups formed, gained popularity

Mohandas Gandhi Lawyer and leader of Indian independence movement Pioneered resistance to British domination Mass civil disobedience Total non-violence Inspired civil rights movements around world Assassinated by another Indian nationalist in 1948 b/c of his tolerance of Muslims