1. Ch. 27.4 British Imperialism in India
Objective:
Explain how British colonialism impacted India’s development.

2. The Mughal Dynasty
1400’s : Mongol Warriors invaded India (They were Muslims)
They called themselves “Mughals”
They established a powerful empire including India. :
The Taj Mahal in Agra:
Monument to Love

3. The Mughal Dynasty Collapses
1600’s: Britain began setting up trade posts in several Indian cities
1700’s : Rule by the Mughal Dynasty was collapsing.
Small states led by rulers called “maharajahs” began to break away.

4. The British East India Company
Regulated trade with British Colonies from London.
The B.E.I. had its own army of Indian soldiers called sepoys.
Several battles were fought between Sepoys and Mughal soldiers.
1757 Battle of Plassey=B.E.I. won control of India

5. India: The Jewel in the Crown
The most valuable of British Colonies!
The Industrial Revolution turned Britain into the “world’s workshop”
India was a huge potential market for British made goods.

6. Britain Outlawed Competition
India produced the raw materials for British factories.
India could only buy British made goods.
Indian competition with British goods was prohibited
Local Mfg. was dead.

7. The Impact of Colonialism
Railroads made India economically valuable.
At first, colonization benefited India:
Helped India to Modernize.
British built dams, schools, communications.
Literacy increased.

8. Impact of Colonization
Britain kept political and economic power in India.
India was forced to grow “cash crops” -
Cotton, tea, indigo
Cash crops replaced food crops.
Food shortages led to famine in India.

9. The Opium for Tea Connection
Britain imported opium from India.
Opium was sold to China and exchanged for tea to sell in England
Thousands of Chinese became opium addicts.

10. Indians Rebel Against British
People had strong feelings of resentment.
This fueled a sense of nationalism in Indians.
Indians felt constant racism by military personnel.
Increasing number of Missionaries:
An attempt to Christianize Indians?

11. The Sepoy Mutiny A widespread and violent uprising by Sepoy soldiers.
Rumor: beef fat used to seal rifle bullet cartridges (the cow is a sacred animal!)
British put down the revolt - it did not unite Indian people.
Hindus preferred British rule to Muslim rule.

12. Sikhs Stayed Loyal to the British
This religious sect of Hindus were also opposed to the Mughals.
Sikhs wearing turbans and beards became an important part of Britain’s army.

13. Results of Sepoy Mutiny: Direct Control by Britain
A 200 year period of rule known as ‘The Raj.”
India was divided into provinces.
British governors called viceroys ruled India.

14. Mutiny Fueled Racist Attitudes
Distrust between British and Indians increased.
Indians were treated as second class citizens.
The British would never accept Indians as their “equals.”
Lord Kitchener

15. The Indian Nationalist Movement
Indians now demanded a greater role in government
Some pressed for the need for modernization.
Movement away from traditional practices such as “suttee.”

16. Ram Mohun Roy Considered as the Father of Modern India.
Called for an end to the caste system and traditions which kept India rooted in the past.
He inspired adopting “western ways.”

17. Nationalist Movement Forms
The Indian National Congress and the Muslim League formed.
They began calling for self - government in India.
Problems soon emerged between these groups.

18. Nationalist Feelings Begin
Indians were kept from holding top posts in government.
British workers were paid 20 times that of educated Indians with the same job.
The stage was set for action!