British Imperialism in India Qwynn, Jenny, and Caroon 7th Period WHAP

Social, Political and Economic Impacts of British Imperialism in India They banned the inhumane practices of the Sati and Dowry systems. The Indians were forced to work in British textile factories for intense hours. They promoted widow marriage, which was previously illegal. Racism grew as a result of Britain’s control over India. Modern technology and education were introduced to India despite the fact that many worked in factories. Reduced food production later led to famine; little sympathy from Britain. Public health improved due to new innovations, but intense factory work later led to health decline. The English language was more commonly learned and spoken by Indians. Economic: Imperialism and the fall of the Mughal Empire drained India’s wealth so terribly that they became dependent on Britain for economic wealth. Foreign powers took interest in India; telephones and telegraphs, were introduced. Imperialism destroyed India’s handicraft and small scale industries, which were a large money maker for them. Railroads were built, making for easier communication and trade with one another. Political: India became dependent on Britain due to economic and political destruction that Industrialization caused. Britain dominated their land and made all of their legal decisions for them.

Reasons for Britain’s Presence in India East India Company (EIC); Large British trading company in India that took a large portion of India after the Mughal empire started to collapse. Britain had begun as a trade presence for India, and they later wanted to own India as a colony. This meant that they dominated India’s economy and military. Wanted to use India as a trade outlet and for more factories. Britain was suffering urban sprawl and they did not have a lot of space for additional factories. India had given the British textile factory opportunities, cheap cotton mill workers, sugar and indigo dye for trade, opium, and substantial merchants/bankers. Britain wanted to keep and expand their presence in India.

Significance of the British East India Company British trading company Good example of economic imperialism because of the motives of the company were economic Created job opportunities (trade and army) Encouraged Christian missionaries to convert the Indian people (with limited success) Since the company relied on Indian people to fill their armies, they let them rule. Muslim and Indian princes hade more power than ever before This sent a message: preserve your cultural heritage, but conform to British customs and beliefs.

Sepoy Mutiny (Rebellion) Sepoy Rebellion in 1857 Convinced the British government the colonial imperialism was the only thing that would work with India. Catalyst for the rebellion was the conflict over the new procedures for firing rifles. Bullets for the rifles were covered with paper waxed with animal fat Hindu Sepoys refused because of cows Muslim Sepoys refused because of pigs British officers changed procedures Still started a rebellion

Imperialism in India: Positive or Negative Impact? Although Imperialism brought industrialization and“modern era” civilization and leadership to India, one could argue its overall effects were very restrictive and inadequate. Rebellions such as the Sepoy Mutiny were caused by Britain’s unyielding work standards and the Indians being unable to fully govern themselves. The British also sent Christian missionaries and disregarded the Indians’ religions (mainly Hinduism and Buddhism) by using animal fats which even started the Sepoy Mutiny. Racism grew in India. With the addition of industrialization, the Indians soon had to be employed under dangerous conditions and often spent late hours trying to earn enough money to support their families.

Causes and Effects of Imperialism in India Britain needed more land and workers in order to keep up with the Industrial Revolution. India becomes industrialized with new factories and workshops. Britain also believed that the Indian culture was inferior to its own and needed to be “civilized.” Certain cultural practices such as a wife’s suicide following the death of her husband were prohibited. With imperialism and nationalism becoming more popular as the Industrial Revolution began to take hold in Europe, Britain needed to gain control of as much land as possible before it was gone. Britain established schools and hospitals, and brought the English language to India. The British felt superior to the Indians due to racism. Racism increased and further segregated the caste systems. Resources were found in India that Britain greatly needed. Railroads were built and modern technology was brought into India.