Imperialism for CN Part 3

Imperialism India ’ s Response: – By the middle of the nineteenth century, the British had come to believe they were a chosen race; chosen to distribute the benefits of western civilization to the backward areas of the globe. That the inhabitants of such areas often didn ’ t want these benefits and certainly not the accompanying British control of their lives was immaterial to Britain ’ s sense of a mission. Native opposition frequently required military force to be brought against it and few years passed without the British Army being involved, somewhere in the empire, in a continual series of border skirmishes and punitive expeditions.

Imperialism India ’ s Response: – Indian Mutiny: Also known as the Sepoy Rebellion 1857–58, revolt that began with Indian soldiers in the British East India Company Became a widespread uprising against British rule in India. It is also known as the Sepoy Rebellion, Sepoys being the native soldiers.

Imperialism Indian Mutiny: – Rebellions against British colonial rule of India. – Reasons: British Political expansion in India. Harsh land policies: If a landowner did not have a male heir, the land became property of the Company. Rapid introduction of European civilization: oulawing of certain customs: child marriage and suttee. Heavy tax burden. Indian soldiers not happy with pay. – Feared forced conversion to Christianity – All of these threatened traditional Indian Civ.

Imperialism Indian Mutiny – Revolt began on May 10, – Spread throughout N. India Cities such as Delhi were captured. – Savageries were committed on both sides. – British realized the need to reform. By 1858, British East India Company abolished and rule was assumed by the British crown. – Religious toleration, equal rights, etc.

Imperialism Summarizing: – Indians resisted European civilization being forced upon them. – This rebellion marks the first stirrings of active Indian nationalism.