Imperialism in India Thursday May 3rd

1. Imperialism in IndiaThursday May 3rd Vocab: Sepoys Indian Nationalism Indian National Congress Mohandas Gandhi Guiding questions: What happened in the Sepoy Mutiny? What was colonial life in India like? What were the costs of this?

2. British Control over India • British control over India began with the decline of the Mogul Empire. • Controlled by the British East India Company • Hired Sepoys: Indian soldiers who protected British interest • Sepoy Mutiny: After hearing that the British used cow and pig grease in their guns, the Sepoys refused to use their weapons, a scuffle started and the rebellion • Outnumbered the British 230,000 troops to 40,000 troops but were not well organized • British put it down

3. Colonial Rule • India was ruled by a British viceroy • Governor who ruled as an representative of a monarch • Had very large government • Set up schools to train Indians how to serve in the govt and military • 90% of the population remained illiterate • Built railroads, telegraphs, and postal service

4. Costs of British Rule • British controlled the economy—most Indians were left in poverty • British textiles ruined the Indian textile industry • Taxes were high and corrupt • British wanted farmers to grow cotton instead of crops causing famine • British ignored Indian customs and traditions • Never considered equal to British

5. Indian Nationalism • Indian Nationalists were upper class, English educated people. • At first they want reform, not revolution • Indian National Congress was created • Had problems because of religious strife • Muslims felt it favored Hindu beliefs • Mohandas Gandhi was an Indian lawyer who had been educated in London and lived in South Africa • Set up a non-violent movement to improve life for the Indians • Eventually this movement will bring independence