1. Imperialism in India

2. 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.

3. 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)

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

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

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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