1. The British Take Over India
Chapter 9 Section 4

2. History of British Rule
India was run by powerful Mughal emperors for centuries.
Early 1600’s- The British East India Company won exclusive trading rights in India. By the mid 1800’s, the B.E.I.C. ruled over 3/5 of India.

3. Exploiting Indian Diversity
India is very ethnically and religiously diverse (Hindus and Muslims), and they were not united against foreigners.
British encouraged competition and distrust among rival princes.

4. British Policy East India Company’s #1 goal: $$$$$$
Also improved roads, fought local crime.
Early 1800’s, British bring Western education and Christian missionaries.
Passed laws banning slavery and the caste system.

5. The Sepoy Rebellion: Causes
1850s: B.E.I.C. used sepoys (Indian soldiers that serve Britain) to serve anywhere, even overseas.
Also passed law allowing Hindu widows to remarry.
Violations of Hindu beliefs.
1857: BEIC issues new rifles to sepoys with cartridges greased with pig or cow fat; sepoys refuse order to load cartridges.

6. The Sepoy Rebellion: Causes
In anger, sepoys protested, and many attacked British residents and killed men, women, and children.
British crush the revolt and take vengeance by burning down Indian villages and killing thousands of unarmed Indians.
Left a legacy of hatred, mistrust, and fear.
1858: British gov’t takes control of India.