-India’s Freedom Struggle In the beginning of the 19th Century, the British began venturing (expanding) out from their rich coastal cities and traveling into India’s interior. They found a country lying in ruins. People were just concerned with survival. Law and order had broken down and robbers roamed the countryside. Wars killed many as well as famine. -India’s Freedom Struggle Describe India during the 19th Century 2) What is necessary to improve their situation?

British Imperialism in India #1 Britain Takes control of India AIM: ________________________________________________ I. Introduction During the 1400’s Europeans became very interested in India’s spices. By the 1800’s Britain’s Queen Elizabeth gave complete trading rights in India to the British East India Company. At first India was ruled by Muslim leaders that kept European traders under control. By 1707, however, the Muslim empire was collapsing. The British East India Company took advantage of the chaotic situation. Using an army of Sepoys (Indian soldiers paid by the British East India Company), the company was able to take control of most of India by 1834. By that time, the British East India Company not only controlled trade but also controlled most of the entire country of India How did the British East India Company get control of India? Why would using an army of Indian soldiers help the British East Indian Company?

Describe the meaning of this quote. II. The Sepoy Rebellion The Sepoys (an army of native Indians hired by the British East India Company) were described as a: “delicate and dangerous machine, which, with a little mismanagement may easily turn against us.” Describe the meaning of this quote.

In 1857, rumors began spreading among the Sepoy Army that the cartridges (bullets) for their new rifles were sealed in beef and pork fat. To use these cartridges, the soldiers had to bite off the cover of the bullet. Both Hindus, who do not eat beef, and Muslims who do not eat pork were outraged. Many of the soldiers believed that this was done on purpose to convert them to Christianity. Scenario: Imagine that you are a Sepoy. Your British commander has just given you the rifles and bullets you have heard rumors about. What would you do?

What are some reasons why the Sepoy Rebellion failed? III. The End of the Sepoy Rebellion The Sepoy Rebellion soon spread across northern India. The British East India Company needed Britain to send in reinforcements. It took over a year for the British army to control the Sepoy rebellion. In the end, the Indians could not unite against the British due to weakness in their leadership and a serious split between Muslims and Hindus. In addition, some Indians remained loyal to the British. What are some reasons why the Sepoy Rebellion failed?

How did the British take control of India? III. The Aftermath of the Sepoy Rebellion The British East India Company gave up control of India after 1858. Instead, the country came under direct British rule. After the rebellion, there was an increase of racism against the Indians and an increase in the separation between the British and the native Indians. Whites lived in separate communities apart from the Indians. India as a whole was placed under military occupation, and 1/3 of India’s total profits went to pay for the British forces. How did the Sepoy rebellion affect the lives of the Indians? How did the British take control of India?

The British Empire (1918)