 The British Empire was the dominant political entity.  Britain was a small industrial nation that needed raw materials for industry.  The empire provided resources and incredible wealth. THE SUN NEVER SETS!

WEALTH BEING MILKED OUT OF INDIA  India was a huge nation with a strategic location.  India had a wealth of natural resources.  India was a massive market to consume British products.  India supplied Britain with valuable exotic products, particularly tea.

 The majority were Hindu.  But a sizable minority were Muslim.  Complicating this, both groups dominated certain areas.  The Muslims were convinced, that once the British left they would be dominated by the Hindus. PINK = MUSLIM BEIGE = HINDU

WE WILL BE FRIENDS FOR NOW! COMMON ENEMY  The goal was to put aside religious differences and work together to end British rule.  Huge problem: any type of armed conflict will backfire.  The British are too strong!

MUHAMMAD ALI JINNAHMOHANDAS GANDHI

INDEPENDENCE 1947  By 1947, the British came to the conclusion that their control of India was morally wrong!  They granted India independence. WHAT ARE WE DOING?!!!! ANGRY BRITISH PUBLIC

PARTITION OF INDIA  After independence, war broke out immediately between the Muslims and Hindus.  The result was the creation of:  Pakistan and Bangladesh two Islamic nations.  India which is largely Hindu, but with many angry Muslims.