British Imperialism in India “The Jewel in the Crown”

Setting the Stage British interests in India began in the 1600’s when the British East India Company set up trading posts in several Indian cities. As the once powerful Mughal Empire collapsed in the 1700’s, the British began to seize control of this resource rich region.

“Jewel in the Crown” Because of its vast natural resources and enormous population, the Indian colony became Britain’s most valuable asset. They sent raw materials to England, and sold finished goods back to the Indian market.

The British Transport Trade Goods With the construction of railroads across the region, England was able to quickly move goods such as tea, cotton, coffee, and opium to ports for trade. This trade created tremendous wealth for the British East India Company and the Monarchy.

Impact of British Colonialism Positive: Negative: British held most political and economic power Indian industries fail trying to compete with British goods Traditional Indian culture threatened Racism and Violence British build the world’s 3rd largest railroad Construction of bridges, roads, telephones, telegraphs, and dams allowed India to modernize Improvement of sanitation, public health, and education.

Growing Tensions As British control increased, so did racism and Christian missionary activities. Indian anger, resentment, and nationalism began to grow.

Sepoy Rebellion/Mutiny (1857) Hearing rumors that the British military greased their gun cartridges with animal fat (either pig or cow), Indian soldiers serving in the British military (Sepoys) revolted for religious purposes. The cow was a sacred animal to the Hindus and the Muslim soldiers were not permitted to eat pork. Sepoys soon refused to follow orders!

Sepoy Rebellion Cont… The uprising spread over much of Northern India leading to fierce fighting. The British East India Company, with the help of additional British troops, eventually regained control of the region.

Turning Point The mutiny and British victory that followed marked a turning point in history. Starting in 1858, the British government now took a stronger, more direct control of India. The mutiny fueled racist attitudes of the British…

Nationalism Surfaces in India Indians hated being treated as second-class citizens in their own country. Natives resented making 20x less than British colonists working the same job. Two Indian nationalist groups formed to improve conditions for natives and to fight for self-government: Indian National Congress/Congress Party (1885) Muslim League (1906)

Independence? Despite many early efforts by nationalist groups, progress would be slow and limited. Not until the 1930s and 1940s would these groups make strides towards gaining Independence.