British Imperialism in India Cause/Effect

Explain why the British viewed India as the "jewel in the crown"

- most valuable of British colonies - major supplier of raw materials - 300 million people = large potential market

Effect: East India Company gains control of India

Cause: Mughal Empire was collapsing in 1707 (weak and many small states broke away from Mughal rule)

Effect: Villagers no longer self-sufficient; food production declines and famine sets in

Cause: Start of cash crops (cotton)

Effect: Indians form Indian National Congress and then the Muslim League, which eventually call for self-government

Causes: Growing/increasing nationalism

Cause: British partition Bengal into Hindu and Muslim sections

Effect: Difficulties uniting to gain independence - British took back order in 1911 and divided province differently

Cause: The Sepoy Mutiny occurs and uprisings spread over much of northern India

Effect: Rebellions - British gained control (Raj) - states were claimed to remain independent but British gained power - distrust and racist attitudes towards British and Sepoys

Cause: British establish a railroad network in India

Effect: Transport raw materials (most agricultural) from interior to ports and manufactured products