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5afe4w0rk- How did Britain secure its hold on India, and what colonial polices led to the

beginning of Indian Nationalism?

First, it’s important to understand that Britain’s colonization of nations around the world is often

romanticized, and Britain is often portrayed as a crusading champion. That is not a correct view.

The British, along with other European nations, colonized for many reasons, but one stands

above the rest- riches. The Indian spice trade was quite lucrative. The Portuguese and Dutch had

beat the British to the Indian spice trade and the British wanted a piece of it.

The British began to assert their control in India via proxy conflicts and allying with local

kingdoms. During the 18

and 19

centuries, India was not a single nation as it is now. It was

divided up into many kingdoms and was controlled by many Mahārāja (king). British

commanders took advantage of this division and pitted Indian kingdoms against one another,

with British interests in mind.

Perhaps the most cited point of the British taking major control of the Indian subcontinent was

the Battle of Plassey. An outnumbered British force defeated a large force under Nawab of

Bengal. The British took control of northeast India as a result of the battle (Cavendish). Most

importantly, the British were able to control the strategically important port of Calcutta after the

battle.

The spread of British influence and control of India was inevitable after the Battle of Plassey. By

1818, the British East India Company had secured control over most of India (Chandra).

The colonial policy of attempting Westernization created Indian nationalism. Westernization is

defined by Dictionary.com as “to influence with ideas, customs, practices, etc.” The British

attempted to break down the caste system and impose Christianity upon India. These policies led

to the Sepoy Rebellion of 1857.

How did British policy in India change as a result of the Sepoy Rebellion?

The most pertinent change that occurred was the transfer of British rule from the British East

India Company directly to the British crown.

Additionally, some oppressive policies ended. Westernization was toned down by the colonial

government, and most Indians had more freedom in their day-to-day lives.

How did imperialism contribute to the growth and globalization of the world economy?

Imperialism created new markets, trade routes, and wealth all over the world. According to the

Maddison Project, the GDP per capita (wealth per person) of the world more than quadrupled

from 1500 to 1900. While this growth was seen more in European nations and the U.S., growth

still occurred in Africa, India, and Asia. Before globalization occurred between 1500-1900,

economies were mostly based on trading within nations. However, the advent of globalization

meant that the world would forever be changed. A break baker in France in 1900 would have

baked bread with flour from the U.S., cinnamon and other spices from China, and buttermilk

from Germany. Imperialism fundamentally altered the way countries interacted with one another

economically.

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5afe4w0rk- How did Britain secure its hold on India, and what colonial polices led to the beginning of Indian Nationalism? First, it’s important to understand that Britain’s colonization of nations around the world is often romanticized, and Britain is often portrayed as a crusading champion. That is not a correct view. The British, along with other European nations, colonized for many reasons, but one stands above the rest- riches. The Indian spice trade was quite lucrative. The Portuguese and Dutch had beat the British to the Indian spice trade and the British wanted a piece of it. The B ...
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