British Imperialism In India

Ms. Rose
Global 2 Honors
12/16/2011

History of British

Imperialism IN India

Interviews with the native Indians and British nationalists have made it clear that both sides are right in that there are both positive and negative effects from British imperialism. The British sought raw materials, cash crops, and most importantly, Indian textiles. British presence increased over time as more and more became interested in making a profit in India. In 1600, the British East India Company was given the right to monopolize trade with India. British presence in India introduced western culture and values. Western education was taught in schools, and systems of railroads, canals, roads, and telegraphs were developed in India. Both Great
The British trade gold and silver for goods such as cotton silk, tea, and textiles. Its geographical location makes it the perfect base for trade with East Asia. The British East Company strengthened their grip over India, gaining more land and power, even maintaining an army of British officers and sepoys. They have a strong grip on India’s government. They were easily able to overcome opposition because India at this time, is very divided. There isn’t a strong sense of nationalism. Sepoys do not see attacking other Indians as something wrong. Although they mention bringing peace, the East India Company’s main concern was making money. Because of India’s large population, imposing taxes made the British a lot of money. India is a very large supplier of raw materials and is a strong market for British goods.The British made it their goal to turn India into a model
Not everybody was happy under British rule. The British limited Indian power and took away freedoms. Change was forced upon them. The British exploited Indian pluralism, resulting in religious conflict between Hindus and Muslims. Factories that posed a threat to British trade would be closed down to avoid competition. Local hand-made clothes were destroyed and finish goods using Indian raw material would be resold in India. The Indians could only trade with the British. When the Indians finally realized that the British would never see Indians as equals, no matter how Europeanized they became, they realized that they had to kick them out. However, try as they might, the British were simply too strong for a disconnected India. With ease, the British could take out ten times as many Indians in battle. Even after defeat, sepoys would suffer even more humiliation and abuse from the British. Indians felt a surge of nationalism. They resent their second-class status in their own countries, which leads us to today. Nationalist groups emerged. The Hindu Indian National Congress, which is later joined by the Muslim League encourage the Indians to take pride in their history and products. Millions of people are joining this movement and are fighting for