Colonization of India First European traders: Portuguese – 1498 East India Trade Company – Founded in 1600 – British obtained cotton, sugar, silk, tea – Initially for trade; eventually began taking over land in India

East India Company By 1770, became military authority in sections of India – Battle victories in 1757 and 1764 gave them the right to collect revenue in various states Eventually, Britain had gained control over two-thirds of India's land Military recruited sepoys to the Company’s army as their rule expanded – Mostly Hindu and Muslim Indians – 300,000 Sepoys to 50,000 British

Company forces were divided into three presidency armies – Bombay, Madras, Bengal – Bengal army focused heavily on recruiting members of higher castes Company had to adapt its military practices to meet religious requirements of these castes

Enfield Rifle – Came with pre-greased cartridges that had to be bitten open to release the powder Grease either made of either beef or pork fat First area to receive weapons: Meerut – Rebellion begins here (May 10, 1857)

Spread of the Unrest Large Landholders – land was taken by Company and redistributed to peasants Peasants – opposed high land taxes imposed by Company Missionaries began to preach Christianity – Feared the Company was attempting to rid India of Hinduism and Islam Oppression of the people – Company officials who would abuse or murder Indians were rarely, if ever, punished

Result of Rebellion Lasted from May 1857-June 1858 – British began regaining power end of 1857 – June 1858: Peace Treaty signed All British military units were doubled – Indian units lost weaponry Ended British East India Company rule in India India became an official colony of the British government India would not gain freedom for another 90 years

Result of Colonization Positives Built the world’s third largest railroad system Telephone & telegraph lines Brought in modern industry Connected India to global economy Improved sanitation & public health Increased number of schools, literacy rates Negatives Racism – “Second Class Citizens in Our Own Country” Almost complete British control – Prevented Indian business ownership Forced growing of cash crops – Farmers unable to self-sustain – ch?v=x7CxKVIQKx4 ch?v=x7CxKVIQKx4