British colonization of India

A. Describe the British colonization of India by doing the following:

  1. Describe one reason Britain colonized India.
  2. Describe one method Britain used to colonize India.
    B. Describe the factors that influenced the independence movement in India and British decolonization of India by doing the following:
  3. Describe how people in India organized for independence.
  4. Explain the influence of one ideology on the Indian independence movement.
  5. Describe two reasons (e.g., economic change, global conflict, Indian leadership, popular participation) why British colonial rule ended in India.
    C. Describe the French colonization of Vietnam by doing the following:
  6. Describe one reason France colonized Vietnam.
  7. Describe one method France used to colonize Vietnam.
    D. Describe the factors that influenced the independence movement in Vietnam and French decolonization of Vietnam by doing the following:
  8. Describe how people in Vietnam organized for independence.
  9. Explain the influence of one ideology on the Vietnamese independence movement.
  10. Describe two reasons (e.g., economic change, global conflict, Vietnamese leadership, popular participation) why French colonial rule ended in Vietnam.
    E. Describe the impact of the Cold War on newly independent states by doing the following:
  11. Describe the effects of the Cold War on India.
  12. Describe the effects of the Cold War on Vietnam.

Full Answer Section

  Methods of British Colonization of India Britain used a variety of methods to colonize India. Some of the most important methods include:
  • Military force: Britain used its military to conquer India. They defeated the Indian armies and took control of the country.
  • Economic exploitation: Britain exploited India's economy. They forced India to export raw materials to Britain and to import finished goods from Britain. This led to the impoverishment of many Indians.
  • Divide and rule: Britain used the "divide and rule" policy to divide the Indian people. They pitted different religious groups, such as Hindus and Muslims, against each other. This made it more difficult for the Indians to unite against British rule.
  • Cultural assimilation: Britain tried to assimilate the Indian people into British culture. They introduced English as the official language of India and they promoted British education and values. This led to the erosion of Indian culture and identity.
Conclusion The British colonization of India had a profound impact on the country. It led to the impoverishment of many Indians, the erosion of Indian culture, and the suppression of Indian independence. The legacy of British colonialism continues to be felt in India today. Additional Information In addition to the reasons and methods mentioned above, there were a few other factors that contributed to British colonization of India. These include:
  • The decline of the Mughal Empire: The Mughal Empire was the dominant power in India in the 16th and 17th centuries. However, the empire began to decline in the 18th century. This created a power vacuum that Britain was able to exploit.
  • The East India Company: The East India Company was a British trading company that was founded in the 1600s. The company gradually gained control of more and more territory in India. By the early 19th century, the company was effectively ruling India.
  • The Indian Rebellion of 1857: The Indian Rebellion of 1857 was a major uprising against British rule. The rebellion was suppressed by the British, but it led to the end of the East India Company's rule in India.
The End of British Rule in India British rule in India lasted for over 200 years. However, it came to an end in 1947. India was partitioned into two countries: India and Pakistan. The partition was a bloody and chaotic process, but it led to the end of British rule in India. The legacy of British colonialism in India is complex and contested. Some people argue that British rule was beneficial to India, while others argue that it was harmful. There is no doubt that British rule had a profound impact on India, and its legacy continues to be felt today.

Sample Answer

 
  • Economic reasons: Britain was interested in India's natural resources, such as cotton, silk, and spices. They also wanted to control India's trade routes, which would give them a monopoly on trade with the East.
  • Political reasons: Britain wanted to increase its power and influence in the world. They saw India as a way to extend their empire and to counter the growing power of other European countries, such as France and Russia.
  • Religious reasons: Some British people believed that it was their duty to spread Christianity to India. They saw India as a "heathen" land that needed to be "civilized."