Imperialism 2: Wars for Empires

India as a sampler!

Previously in Social Studies….

Last week, we discussed how imperialism began.

It developed out of a Europe, hungry to gain money after losing their colonies, that was flushed with money due to industrialism.

We discussed how Europe and other industrial powers rose up to dominate weaker, poorer nations.

When we last we saw India…

We discussed how the Sepoy Rebellion was used as cause for the English to take over the country.

The Sepoy Rebellion though began because the people of India weren’t happy with the British being there in the first place.

The British East India Company dominated trade in India after the fall of the Mughal Empire in India.

Now, on Imperialism in India!

To protect their assets, the company hired Indian soldiers (note: INDIANS) known as Sepoys to protect their trade interests.

What are business assets?

The Jewel of the Empire India was “the jewel of the British

Empire” because• India provided raw materials for British

industry• It was a big market for British goods!

But, then there came DRAMA!

AS BRITISH BUSINESSES BEGAN DOMINATING INDIA, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA BEGAN FEELING OPPRESSED AND DISCONTENTMENT (UNHAPPINESS) GREW.

Pros of British Domination• Railroads• Schools• Modern

communication

Con of British Domination• The British wanted

the Indians to “become British”

Causes of the Rebellion The main cause of

the rebellion was new rifle cartridges greased by animal fat that offended the native people.

Sepoys were also paid less than British soldiers.

Finally….. It took a year for

the British to defeat the Sepoys in the rebellion.

At that point, the British took over the country and it was officially part of the British growing empire.