Imperialism in India
Imperialism in India
•  British interest in India began in the
1600’s
•  British East India Company set up
trading posts- Indian leadership was
weak & British eventually took control
•  Used Indian soldiers called “sepoys”
to control the natives (indirect rule).
•  India was considered the “brightest
jewel in the crown” (most profitable &
valuable colony)
•  Indian competition with British goods
was prohibited
•  One of the main exports was tea.
Impacts of Colonialism
•  Positive: Modernization,
railroads, irrigation, bridges,
telephone lines, sanitation,
health improved, schools,
literacy increased
•  Negative: Britain held all
power, restricted Indian owned
industries, emphasis on cash
crops, racist attitudes,
threatened traditional lifestyle
Sepoy Rebellion
•  Two main religions in India: Hindu
and Muslim.
•  1857- new rifles were greased
with beef & pork fat.
•  Hindus considered cows sacred
and Muslims don’t eat pork=
Sepoys were outraged.
•  85 soldiers refused to accept
the cartridges & were jailed.
•  Sepoys marched to Delhi &
rebelled (lasted about a yr.)
•  British East India Co. was shaken
by rebellion. The British Crown
now had full control.
•  1757-1947- direct rule of the
British called the Raj.
Next Up
•  Nationalism movements in
India
•  Gandhi (non-violent
resistance)
•  Religious conflict between
Hindus & Muslims leads to
division of India