British Imperialism in India

• Mughal Empire in Decline • India left vulnerable for colonization • British East India Company took control of India 1757-1858

• East India Company (EIC) had their own army. • Led by British officers, staffed by Sepoys. • Sepoy: Native Indian soldier.

“Brightest Jewel in the Crown”

• England saw great potential in India as a $ maker. • Forced India to provide raw materials; forced to purchase

British goods.

Negative: British held all economic/political power

The Good and The Bad

Negative: Reliance on cash crops reduced food production, famine was widespread

Negative: Racist attitudes of British threatened traditional Indian life.

Positive: Laying of huge railroad network. AllowsIndia to create a modern economy

Positive: Sanitation, public health, and literacy were improved during British rule.

Sepoy Rebellion

• Mughal Empire in Decline • India left vulnerable for colonization • British East India Company took control of India 1757-1858

• East India Company (EIC) had their own army. • Led by British officers, staffed by Sepoys. • Sepoy: Native Indian soldier.

British Imperialists were ignorant of Hindu beliefs. Most Indians followed Hinduism or Islam.

British East India Company introduced Sepoy soldiers to new Enfield Rifle…

… bullet casings were covered in cow and pig fat. Big problems for Hindu/Muslim soldiers.

Rebellions broke out in response to British disrespect of Indian culture. Lasted for about a year.

End of the Rebellion

• British Government takes control of India.

• Loyal Indians were rewarded.

• British Rule (Raj) until 1946.