British imperialism in India British in India (1600s) 1707 Mughal Empire collapsing 1757 – 7 years’ war – British defeat the French and Indians East India Company in control a business British Gov’t not involved Company had its own army the Sepoys (Indian) economic imperialism India fuel the industrial revolution marketplace to sell British goods British Goods

RUMOR – rifle cartridges (bullets) were greased in beef and pork fat The Sepoy Mutiny 1850 British controlled most of India attempted to convert them to Christians RUMOR – rifle cartridges (bullets) were greased in beef and pork fat Had to bite off the end to use Hindus – do not eat cow Muslims – do not eat pork OUTRAGED Soldiers refused to use cartridges Britain threw them in jail (bad idea) Rebellion in northern India lasts a year Indians cannot unite – Muslims and Hindus Result – Britain takes over (Raj)

1947 – India gains independence Led by Mahatma Gandhi Civil Disobedience Non- Violent Protest Refusal to obey certain laws, demands, and commands of a government Influence Martin Luther King Jr. Fasts (stop eating food) Call attention to a cause

Unlike much of Africa, India became very modern Positives of Imperialism British build: Railroads & Roads Make money Travel telegraph & telephone lines, dams, bridges, irrigation canals Sanitation Systems Schools Hospitals British Army puts an end to bandits and criminals Religious Freedom

Negatives of Imperialism Indian had no control of: Government Economy Could not own businesses Could not decide what crops to grow Forced to grow cotton, not food – famines Scarcity of food Racism