British empire Flashcards
1
Q
Why do Americans speak English?
A
Because of British colonisation in the Americas
2
Q
Why did Britain want control of India
A
- India had many resources—coal, metals and precious stones
- Wealthy
- more people to fight for them
- India had a huge population
- Britain got more respect from other countries
3
Q
What happened during the Sepoy mutiny?
A
- 1850s East India Company employed British soldiers and many Indian soldiers (called Sepoys)
- Lack of cultural understanding by British—each Indian soldier was given a new rifle. However, the cartridges were covered in grease to make it easier to use. Loading the gun quickly meant that you needed to bite the top of the cartridge with teeth. Rumour—grease was made from animal fat, probably pork and beef fat = worst mixture for Hindus and Muslims
- Sepoys objections were ignored and 85 Sepoys were arrested due to refusing to use them. After that, other Sepoys rioted in support of them. Other local Indians joined the Sepoys —and soon northern India was engulfed in conflict
- Major battles lasted 18 months and ended in July 1858 when the British, helped by some loyal Indian soldiers defeated the Sepoys.
- Afterwards the British tried to interfere less with religious matters and allowed Indians more say in the running of India (allowed them jobs in local government) however in 1900 nine out of ten jobs running the country were still done by Britons
- Known as Indian Mutiny/Sepoy Rebellion. First episode in the great struggle against the British for Indian independence.
- 10/05/1857 to 01/11/1858
4
Q
How did Gandhi help achieve Indian independence
A
His non-violent resistance helped end British rule in India and has influenced modern civil disobedience movements across the globe. Widely referred to as Mahatma, meaning great soul or saint in Sanskrit, Gandhi helped India reach independence through a philosophy of non-violent non-cooperation.
