The British Take Over India

1. Section 25.4 The British Take Over India

2. East India Company • In 16OO’s the British East India Company obtained trading rights from the Mughal Empire. • As Mughal Power declined the Company expanded its influence. • India was home to many diverse cultures. • As Mughal Power crumbled India fragmented. • Indians were not able to unite against newcomers. • The British took advantage of this ferment by playing off rival princes against each other. • The British with superior weapons over powered local rulers • The main goal of the East India company was to make money, and leading officials often got rich

3. The Sepoy Rebellion • British kept Indians from engaging in large scale manufacturing witch hurt the business class. • East India Company required Sepoy’sto serve in India or overseas, and a new law was created allowing Hindu widows to re-marry. • The Sepoyrebellion swept across northern and central India. • The British crushed the rebellion and brought it to an end.

4. The “Brightest Jewel” • Brittan saw India both as a market and as source of raw material. • The British built railroads to trade with India • The British got better farm equipment making more food and a huge population increase causing famine. • British rule brought Peace and order to the countryside

5. Indians and British: Viewing Two Cultures • During the age of imperialism, Indians and British did not appreciate each other. • But most British people did not know all about the Indians • Also Indians did not know much about the British

6. Growing Nationalism • When the western-educated Indians emerged the wanted a democracy, equality, and the end of imperial rule. • In 1885 nationalist leaders organized the Indian national congress. • At first, Muslims and Hindus worked together for self-rule • More Indians demanded self-rule • Their goal was achieved in 1947 when they gained independence