British Empire and india Flashcards
(52 cards)
How did the East India Company take control of India?
Through strategic alliances and military force
The East India Company established control over Indian territories by forming alliances with local rulers and using military power to defeat opposition.
Who benefited from the British control of India?
British officials and merchants
The British Empire and its officials, along with merchants, gained significant economic and political advantages from controlling India.
What were the rebellions in India and how were they dealt with?
Suppression through military action
Rebellions against British rule were often met with severe military responses, leading to significant loss of life and further control by the British.
What was the impact of WW1 and WW2 on India?
Increased demand for independence
The global conflicts heightened Indian aspirations for self-governance and revealed the weaknesses of British rule.
Why was partition so traumatic?
Mass displacement and violence
The partition of India in 1947 led to large-scale migrations, communal violence, and significant loss of life.
Who was Clive of India?
Key figure in establishing British control in India
Clive played a significant role in the expansion of British power in India during the 18th century.
What happened to the Mughal princes?
They lost power and were marginalized
The decline of the Mughal Empire resulted in the princes being stripped of their authority and living in relative obscurity.
What changes occurred in architecture and government during British rule?
Introduction of Western architectural styles and administrative reforms
The British introduced new architectural styles and reformed the administrative structure of governance.
What was the role of the army in maintaining control in India?
Enforcement of British authority
The British army was crucial in suppressing dissent and maintaining order in the colonies.
What were the causes of the Sepoy Rebellion?
Cultural insensitivity and exploitation
Factors included the introduction of new rifles, which were seen as disrespectful to Indian customs.
What happened to those involved in the Sepoy Rebellion?
Severe punishments and executions
Many participants faced harsh retribution from the British, including executions and imprisonment.
What was the Amritsar massacre?
Mass killing of Indian civilians by British troops in 1919
The massacre was a significant event that galvanized Indian nationalism against British rule.
What was the largest volunteer force in history?
The Indian National Army (INA)
The INA was formed to fight against British rule and comprised a large number of volunteers.
What was the Bengal famine?
A devastating famine in 1943 that resulted in millions of deaths
The famine was exacerbated by British policies and wartime priorities.
Who was Gandhi?
Leader of the Indian independence movement
Gandhi advocated for non-violent resistance against British rule.
What was the Salt March?
A non-violent protest against British salt laws in 1930
Gandhi led the Salt March to challenge British monopolies on salt production.
What were Gandhi’s hunger strikes?
Non-violent protests to promote political and social change
Gandhi used hunger strikes as a method to draw attention to injustices and mobilize support.
What was the role of the British in India?
Colonial administrators and exploiters of resources
The British established a colonial system that prioritized their economic interests over local welfare.
What were the religious divides in India?
Hindu-Muslim tensions
Religious differences were exacerbated by British policies and contributed to divisions leading up to partition.
What was the mass movement of population during partition?
Displacement of millions across new borders
Partition led to one of the largest mass migrations in history, with people fleeing communal violence.
What was life like in Africa before slavery?
Diverse cultures and civilizations
African societies were complex and had established trade networks and cultural practices.
What were the reasons people were enslaved?
Wars, debt, and economic exploitation
People were often captured during conflicts or sold into slavery due to financial pressures.
What is triangular trade?
Trade system involving Europe, Africa, and the Americas
This system facilitated the exchange of goods, enslaved people, and resources among the three regions.
What was the Middle Passage?
The sea journey undertaken by slave ships from West Africa to the Americas
This passage was notorious for its brutal conditions and high mortality rates among enslaved people.
