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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).
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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