British Imperialism in India(M17-690-694)

Sepoy

An Indian soldier serving under British command.

How did Economic Imperialism lead to India's becoming a British Colony

Britain wished to increase its economic and personal gain and due to India controlling many natural resources and raw materials, Britain had the desire to conquer India. It's territory and natural resources could then be used to better the economic status of Britain. In addition, India had many trade partners which Britain also wished to become partners with to again create personal gain.

How did Imperialism contribute to unity and to the growth of nationalism in India?

Enraged by the thought of being controlled by an outsider superior nation, nationalist feeling started to surface in India. People wanted to Modernize India so they weren't viewed as second-class citizens.

Sepoy Mutiny

Gossip among the Indian soldiers was that on their riffle cartridges, there was beef fat, and Hindus considered the cow sacred, and did not want to eat it. 85 of 90 soldiers refused to accept them, and were jailed. They rebelled the next day, and marched to Delhi, and spread the rebeliion. The Indians could not unite because their leadership was too weak and there was a split between the Muslims and Hindus.

"Jewel in the crown"

Name given to India, because it was the most valuable of all British colonies

Raj

Refers to the British Rule after India came under the British crown during the right of Queen Victoria. The period of British rule in India, which lasted for nearly 90 years, from 1857 to 1947

What form did British rule take under the Raj?

The British government took Direct command of India

Negative side of Colonialism

The British held much of the political and economic power. The British restricted Indian-owned Industries such as cotton textiles. The emphasis on cash crops resulted in a loss of self sufficiency for many villagers. The increased presence of missionaries and the racist attitude of most British officials threatened traditional Indian life.

Why didn't Indians unite against the British in the Sepoy Mutiny?

The Indians could not unite against the British due to the weak leadership and serious splits between Hindus and Muslims. Hindus did not want the Muslim Mughal empire resorted.

In what ways did the Sepoy Mutiny change the political climate of India?

The Sepoy Mutiny fueled the racist attitudes of the British. The mutiny also increased distrust between the British and the Indians.

Positive side colonialism

The laying of the world's third largest railroad network was a major British achievement. When completed, the railroads enabled India to develop a modern economy and brought unity to the connected regions. The telephone and telegraph lines, dams, bridges, and irrigation canals enabled India to modernize. Sanitation and public health improved ad schools/colleges were founded. British troops cleared central India of bandits and put an end to local warfare among local rulers.