The British Raj

World History and Geography 2012-2013

Mr. Burdette MHS

Three Types of Imperialism

Three Types of Imperialism1. Colony – A territory governed by a foreign power.

2. Protectorate – A territory with its own government but is controlled by a foreign power.

3. Sphere of Influence - A territory in which a country claims exclusive political or economic rights.

With a Partner

What type of Imperialism did Britain, United States of America, France, the Dutch and many other European countries utilize in the Asian countries?

In China

• Britain and other European countries claimed _____________ and ____________ influence through the __________ treaties.

• Sphere of Influence!

In Japan

• United States gained ____________ and _____________ influence through __________ treaties.

• Sphere of Influence!

Now to India!

India before British Rule

• Mughal Empire - Ruled from 1526-1857

• Mughal Empire – ruled what is today – Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, India, and Iran

• Limited trade with Britain to port cities.

British East India Company

• Formed in 1600 to facilitate trade with the East Indies – mainly traded with India

• Owned by wealthy merchants and aristocrats

• Traded cotton, silk, indigo dye, salt, tea and opium

Private Imperialism

• Imperialism in India was carried out by a private company – The British EIC

• Mughal Empire weakens due to outside forces.

• British East India Company encourages many Mughal local lords to join them to remain in power.

Changes by the EIC

• East India Company introduced:– British style education system– English Language– New laws banning customs– Christian missionaries

• Hypothesis – How do you think these new laws/rules made some Indians feel about the EIC?

Sepoy Mutiny

• Sepoy = an Indian native that fought for in the British Military

Sepoy Rebellion

• British EIC introduced a new type of rifle

• The powder cartridges had pig and beef fat on them – which were often ripped with the teeth

• This offended Muslim and Hindu soldiers

• Why would the pig and beef fat offend both of these types of soldiers?

Sepoy Mutiny

• Sepoys– Rebelled against British – Killed British officers and

also British women and children

• British EIC army– Captured guilty parties

and strapped them to cannons and shot

– Burned villages supporting rebels

After two years – The British Crown stepped in and ended the rule of the British EIC.

Enter the Royal Crown

• After the Sepoy Mutiny – British government takes control and ends many of the controversial reforms of the EIC

• The British Raj begins

Indian Civil Service

• Government Agency

• Ruled for the British Crown

• Hired very few Indian Natives – led to resentment

British Raj

• Built railroads, roads and canals – to move troops and British goods around India

British Raj

• India was an important market for British finished goods – mainly textiles

British Raj

• India was an important source of raw materials – mainly cotton during the American Civil War

British Raj

• British Textile Industry devastated domestic production

Indian Nationalism

Wait… what is nationalism again?

• The younger partner define nationalism for the older partner.

Indian Nationalism

• Indians became frustrated with British rule– Ram Mohun Roy – prominent Indian Nationalist -

1820– Indian National Congress – formed in 1885 • more Indian natives in government• boycott of British made goods

– Muslim League – formed out of a fear of the British and Hindus gaining power

Lecture Questions

• How was the British EIC different than the British Royal Crown?

• What reforms did they put in place in India?• What was the Indian Civil Service? Explain

their impact in India.