Unit 3: Nationalism to Imperialism 5.9.16

Sepoy Rebellion - 1857 Sepoy= Indian soldier serving under British orders New rifles were issued to the soldiers that had a tighter fit and used paper cartridges that came pre-greased. To load the rifle, sepoys had to bite the cartridge open to release the powder. The grease used on these cartridges was rumored to include tallow derived from beef, which would be offensive to Hindus, and pork, which would be offensive to Muslims.

Sepoy Rebellion - 1857 Economic problems were increasing, increased tension 85 sepoys refused to accept the new cartridges & they were jailed The sepoys rebelled Marched to Delhi, captured the city Rebellion spread to northern and central India

DEFINITIONS Mutiny - an open rebellion against the proper authorities, esp. by soldiers or sailors against their officers. (Usually seen as unjustified.) Revolution - a forcible overthrow of a government or social order in favor of a new system. (Often seen as justified.)

Sepoy: Mutiny or Revolution? Answer the questions Be prepared to share

Question 11 Add to your answer: The authors of the two articles have very different perspectives. Which do you agree with and why?

After Sepoy The uprising lasted for 6 months It took the East India Company a whole year to regain complete control

After Sepoy Tensions between Britain and India increased “It is the consciousness of the inherent superiority of the European which has won us for India. However well educated and clever a native may be, and however brave he may prove himself, I believe no rank we can bestow on him would cause him to be considered an equal of the British officer.” Lord Kitchener

Internal Divisions Ultimately, at this point, India was unable to unite to overthrow British rule Hindus didn’t want Muslim Mughal Empire restored Muslims didn’t want to share power with Hindus Sikhs also remained loyal to the British

“The British Raj” System of government the British implemented after the Sepoy uprising: India governed more closely Huge famines and cholera outbreaks during this time Great Famine of 1876–78 - 6.1 million to 10.3 million people died Deaths in India between 1817 and 1860 are estimated to have exceeded 15 million people

Nationalism in India Two Nationalist groups: Indian National Congress (1885) Muslim League (1906) Both called for self-government

Steps towards independence Government of India Act of 1909 Gave Indians limited roles in central government WWI becomes the final turning point…