India
The Mughal Empire ruled India for over 200 years. In the 1700s, however, the weakness of the Mughal Empire was a lack of strong rulers. In the early 1600s, the British East India Company won trading rights in India. As the Mughal power declined, the company's influence grew. The British were able to conquer India and make money, but they did not do anything to improve India's roads or preserve peace. The British introduced Western education and legal procedures. They also tried to convert Indians to Christianity and worked to end slavery and the caste system. However, by the 1850s, the people were growing angry. The Sepoys, or Indian soldiers, rose up against British officials by refusing to load their guns and killing British men, women, and children. This is known as the Sepoy Mutany and was put down when the British jailed the Sepoys and tourched vilages. The Sepoy Mutany created hatred and mistrust on both sides.
In 1858, Parliament set up a system of colonial rule in India called the Raj. A British viceroy in India would govern in the name of the queen and British officials had the highest positions. Britain built roads, a railroad for trade, set up schools, and a canal. British trade with India soared, but the partnership favored Britain. The British transformed Indian agriculture and introduced better medicine. However, increasing populations led to famine in India, and the Indians were not happy. By the late 1800s, Western-educated Indians led a nationalist movement. In 1885, they organized the Indian National Congress, known as the Congress party. They called for greater democracy and wanted self-rule.
Even though Indians resented the British, there were some benefits. Schools were set upto improve education, railroads and roads were built to improve transportation, and a political system improved communication. Farming improved as well. However, the British changes in Indian culture and unfair trade made British influence on India more negative than positive. This was especially true when the British East India Company took over and Inida and imposed harsh taxes on India's 'lords.' The Indian 'lords' therefore tryed to squeeze evry penny out of their peasants while still maintaining their luxurious lifestyle and pay Britain's taxes. The British also forced the peasants to produce cash crops such as indigo and cotton in place of food crops. This resulted in a famine due to peasnt's lack of food and were said to be walking the streets as 'rib cages.'
In 1858, Parliament set up a system of colonial rule in India called the Raj. A British viceroy in India would govern in the name of the queen and British officials had the highest positions. Britain built roads, a railroad for trade, set up schools, and a canal. British trade with India soared, but the partnership favored Britain. The British transformed Indian agriculture and introduced better medicine. However, increasing populations led to famine in India, and the Indians were not happy. By the late 1800s, Western-educated Indians led a nationalist movement. In 1885, they organized the Indian National Congress, known as the Congress party. They called for greater democracy and wanted self-rule.
Even though Indians resented the British, there were some benefits. Schools were set upto improve education, railroads and roads were built to improve transportation, and a political system improved communication. Farming improved as well. However, the British changes in Indian culture and unfair trade made British influence on India more negative than positive. This was especially true when the British East India Company took over and Inida and imposed harsh taxes on India's 'lords.' The Indian 'lords' therefore tryed to squeeze evry penny out of their peasants while still maintaining their luxurious lifestyle and pay Britain's taxes. The British also forced the peasants to produce cash crops such as indigo and cotton in place of food crops. This resulted in a famine due to peasnt's lack of food and were said to be walking the streets as 'rib cages.'
Robert Clive Speech to the House of Commons
This is a speech from Robert Clive about the consequences of ruling India:
http://www.fordham.edu/Halsall/mod/1772clive-india.asp
In this speech, Clive talks about how it is rare for such a powerful country to control such a weak country and how India should be grateful. He blames the natives for the crimes against the British and says they should be punished and should be educated like English gentlemen.
http://www.fordham.edu/Halsall/mod/1772clive-india.asp
In this speech, Clive talks about how it is rare for such a powerful country to control such a weak country and how India should be grateful. He blames the natives for the crimes against the British and says they should be punished and should be educated like English gentlemen.
This is a video of where and when the Mughals were between the time period 1500-1900.