THE BRITISH TAKE OVER INDIATHE NEW IMPERIALISM

FACTORS DIVIDING INDIA

Language – many different languages (200) and traditions.

Religion – Hinduism and Islam two dominant religions.

Collapse of Mughal Empire – dozens of small states ruled by local leader, collapse made it easier to take advantage of & conquer.

BRITISH EAST INDIA COMPANY

BEIC had monopoly of trading posts in India since 1600s.

Expanded influence with decline of Mughals

India officially ruled by BEIC, but with little interruption until the 19th century.

BEIC had its own army, led by British officers and sepoys (Indian soldiers).

SEPOY REBELLION, 1857

SEPOY REBELLION, 1857

Sepoys discovered that their British made rifle cartridges were sealed with beef and pork fat.

Soldiers had to bite off the seals to use them.

Muslims forbidden to eat pork, Hindus forbidden to eat beef.

Massacres throughout Northern and Central India

Took a year to regain control of the country.

“Brightest Jewel”: Eventually India put under control of the British crown: sent more troops and taxed Indians to pay costs, slowed “reforms” but continued to develop India for economic benefit

EFFECTS OF BRITISH RULE

POSITIVE EFFECTS NEGATIVE EFFECTS

Built railroads, telegraph lines Introduction of inexpensive factory-made textiles ruined India’s hand-weaving industry

Encouraged nomadic herders to settle into farming, cash crops

Deforestation due to farming

Medical improvements, better health care

Followed cash-crop policies that led to famine b/c they were growing cotton and jute rather than food

Peace and order to countryside Population growth also strained food supply

Revised legal system, postal service

Eliminated slavery, some injustices of caste system, outlawed sati