1. European Imperialism
Influence on India

2. The Dutch in India Dominate trade until 1700
1600’s gain control of the oceanic trade routes
Ports along the coast established for trading.
Dominate trade until 1700

3. France and Britain in India
Want access to spices, and resources & markets (to sell goods) in India
Create “East India Companies” to make trade negotiations with Mughal rulers.

4. Mercantilism: An economy controlled by a mother country

5. British East India Company
Most powerful trade institution in the world
Had military power
Began to gain control of old Dutch trading ports
Used a “divide and conquer” strategy: turned Hindus and Muslims and the French against each other.
Battle of Plassey: British defeat the French and gain control of India.

6. Mercantilism: An economy controlled by a mother country
Policies
Mercantilism: An economy controlled by a mother country
British East Indian Company (BEIC): main policy was to make money
British officials gained wealth at the expense of the Indians

7. Effects of BEIC Rule Improve roads, preserve peace and reduce crime
Hindu widows could remarry; British banned traditional practice of sati or sutte.
Indians could not do large scale manufacturing
India was so diverse and divided it was easy to conquer

8. Sepoys Indians forced to work as soldiers for the British
Soldiers were taught how to fire rifles.
Soldiers were required to serve anywhere whether it be in India or overseas- it was against their religion!
Rumor spread that British were greasing the gunpowder cartridges with pork/beef fat

9. The Sepoy Rebellion
1857- Indians were upset over British policies & that their religious beliefs were being disrespected.
The Sepoys mutinied & took over the cities of Delhi and Kanpur
The rebellion was quickly & violently crushed
The response was the Sepoys were bayoneted, sown up in the carcasses of pigs or cows, or lashed to the mouth of cannons and blown to pieces old Mughal punishment for mutiny

10. Results of Rebellion The East India Company removed from power
British took a more hands on approach to governing India through a viceroy (rules colony for the king).
Britain sent troops to India
Hindus and Muslims feared/ hated British
Built railroads and roads
Transport of goods from ports to & from England became quicker

11. The “Jewel in the Crown”
India was Britain’s most valuable colony
Provided excellent natural resources
Salt
Cotton
Indigo
Britain grew rich off of mercantilism & imperialism in India

12. Disadvantages of Imperialism
India was flooded w/ British textiles which ruined the Indian Economy
Indians treated as inferiors
Forced assimilation of European culture
British exploitation of resources (to abuse or take advantage of)
Tax system – cash
Millions of peasants went into poverty
Forced to grow cash crops (indigo/tea/cotton)
Famine swept India
Population boomed
An English baby girl being carried on a palanquin by Indian bearers, on the road to Nainital. Photograph dated 1904.

13. Benefits? Improved health care Legal system revised
Outlawed caste/sutte
Roads & Railroads improved transportation
New jobs
Increased exports
Indian landowners gained wealth
Improved health care
New schools set up for upper class
National postal system
National unity for Indians
Peace & order restored