Imperialism-

• The policy of extending authority and control over another territory or country.

• The Age of Imperialism lasted from the 1850’s until approximately 1910.

•http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_rHrGaoh4w

Causes of Modern Imperialism

• A. The Industrial Revolution-Wealth was increased in many nations. In order to stay wealthy and powerful, those nations needed supplies of raw materials. These wealthy nations also needed new markets for their industrialized products.

• B. Militarism- Industrialized nations had to build up their armies to protect their colonies from competitors as well as from the colonists actually uprising. A policy of maintaining large military forces in a high degree of readiness for action.

• C. Nationalism-created a sense that countries needed to acquire colonies in order to show that the country is strong.

• D. Racism and religious views- Most European countries along with the USA, felt that there were far more superior to East Asian, and African countries. They also felt that they needed to spread Christianity.

British Imperialism

The British in India

• The British East India Company (BEIC) had control of India until 1857. The British crown took over because Indian soldiers (Sepoy Munity) revolted. The BEIC ignored Indian culture and tradition.

The Sepoy Rebellion

• In 1857, some sepoys refused to use the cartridges supplied for their new rifles because they were supposed greased with beef or pork fat…and they had to be bitten off before inserted into the rifle. Muslims cannot eat pork and Hindus consider cattle sacred. Great Britain took over India.

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MV0fYMIvtyU

Conditions were terrible for Indians during this time, population increased but the food supply did not.

• Telegraphs, railroads, irrigation systems were built, but Indians had no say in government and did not hold high level positions.

Move toward independence

• The terrible conditions led to independence movements led by Mohandas Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Mohammed Ali Jinnah.