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The British in India. Imperialism in Asia. British Imperialism. What does this mean?. A History of Trade. 1500’s - Trade between Europe and Asia boomed with the discovery of sea routes British are first to explore India’s coasts 1600’s – East India Trading Company is formed
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The British in India Imperialism in Asia
British Imperialism • What does this mean?
A History of Trade • 1500’s - Trade between Europe and Asia boomed with the discovery of sea routes • British are first to explore India’s coasts • 1600’s – East India Trading Company is formed • One of the richest and most powerful trading companies EVER
A History of Trade • East India Company builds trading posts and forts throughout India • French East India Company does this too • Challenges British for control of Indian trade • 1757 - British and Indian troops defeat the French at the Battle of Plassey • Great Britain retains control and expands territory through war and trade
British Expansion in India East India Company controls most of India by 1857
The Sepoy Rebellion • Sepoy (def.) – an Indian soldier in the British army • 1857 - Soldiers rebelled against their British commanders • Resentment over British attempts to impost Christianity and European customs
The Sepoy Rebellion • Rebellion spreads across northern and central India • Many British killed • British end uprising within a year • Kill thousands of unarmed Indians as revenge • Results • Both sides unhappy • British tighten rule • East India Company’s control ends • Parliament sends a viceroy to rule (def.) – governor representing a monarch • Treaties signed with independent Indian states
Indian Nationalism • British try to pacify unrest • Paved roads • Built large railway system • Telegraph lines • Irrigation canals • Schools/ Universities
Indian Nationalism • British officials enact discrimination • Force changes in farming • Require farming of cotton instead of wheat • Cotton needed for British textile factories • Lack of wheat = food shortage == millions of people die • High-paying jobs reserved for British • Increases unemployment rates among Indians • Legal segregation • Determined by area
Indian Nationalism • Desire for self-rule • 1885 – Indian National Conference formed • Promote: democracy, equality • Peaceful protest • Protest: British to give more power to Indians • Will become Congress Party and lead movement for independence