The British In India

The British in India 1600-1900 British East India Company – 1600 • One of the richest and most powerful trading companies ever • Built trading posts and forts throughout India • Most of India under control of East India Company by 1857 Indian revolt of 1857 • Indian soldiers – rebelled against their British commanders • Why? British attempted to impose Christianity and European customs on them • Failed – forced British government to tighten it control of India 1858 – British government replaced East India Company British spent money on India’s economic development • Built paved roads and railway system • Installed telegraph lines and irrigation canals • Established schools and universities British forced Indians to change their ancient ways • Grew cotton instead of wheat • Led to severe food shortages that killed millions Indian National Congress – 1885 • Political group that will lead the struggle for Indian independence • Nationalist ideas are spreading in India by 1914 • Choices – independence of home rule under British Empire