British Empire and india Flashcards
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.
What were auctions in the context of slavery?
Sales of enslaved individuals to the highest bidder
Auctions were a common method of selling enslaved people, often dehumanizing the individuals involved.
What was life like on the plantations?
Harsh conditions and forced labor
Enslaved people faced grueling workdays, inadequate food, and severe punishments.
What were slave rebellions and escape attempts?
Acts of resistance against enslavement
Enslaved individuals often attempted to rebel or escape to seek freedom from their conditions.
What does freedom refer to in the context of slavery?
The state of being free from bondage
Freedom was the ultimate goal for enslaved individuals, often pursued through various means.
What are examples of rich culture in Africa?
Art, music, and oral traditions
African cultures have a rich heritage characterized by various artistic expressions and storytelling.
What variety of skilled craft people existed in Africa?
Artisans, builders, and traders
African societies included skilled craftsmen who contributed to their economies and cultures.
What were extremely civilized societies in Africa known for?
Complex social structures and governance
Many African societies had established systems of governance and social organization.
What was slavery within African culture?
Varied practices and roles
Slavery existed in different forms and contexts within African societies prior to European colonization.
What ports and products were exchanged during triangular trade?
West African ports, European goods, and American crops
Major ports facilitated the exchange of enslaved individuals, raw materials, and manufactured goods.
How were enslaved people acquired?
Through capture and trade
Enslaved individuals were often captured in raids or wars and sold into the slave trade.
What is the difference between tight pack and loose pack?
Methods of loading enslaved individuals on ships
Tight pack maximized the number of enslaved people per ship, while loose pack allowed for more space.
What were preparations for sale of enslaved individuals?
Cleaning, inspecting, and branding
Enslaved individuals were often cleaned and inspected before being sold at auctions.
What does the term ‘highest bidder’ refer to in auctions?
The person who offers the most money for an enslaved individual
Auctions operated on the principle that the highest bid would win the sale.
What does ‘grab and go/scramble’ mean in the context of slave sales?
A chaotic method of auctioning enslaved individuals
This method involved quick sales where buyers would rush to claim enslaved individuals.
What were costs and signs of ownership in slavery?
Branding, documentation, and purchase price
Enslaved individuals were often branded or documented to signify ownership.
What does De Africanization refer to?
The process of erasing African cultural identities
This process involved suppressing African customs and traditions during colonization.
What was the brutality faced by enslaved individuals?
Physical punishment and psychological trauma
Enslaved people endured severe abuse to maintain control and obedience.
What work was done by enslaved individuals?
Agricultural labor, domestic work, and skilled trades
Enslaved people were forced to work in various sectors, contributing to the economy.
What were the expectations of enslaved individuals?
Compliance and productivity
Enslaved people were expected to work diligently under threat of punishment.
What punishments were faced by enslaved individuals?
Beatings, whippings, and other forms of torture
Punishments were used to instill fear and maintain control over enslaved populations.
What was the threat of sale in slavery?
The possibility of being sold away from family and community
Enslaved individuals lived under constant fear of being separated from loved ones.
What was the Underground Railroad?
A network to help enslaved individuals escape to freedom
This network facilitated the movement of escaped slaves to safe havens.
Who was Harriet Tubman?
A key figure in the Underground Railroad
Tubman led many enslaved people to freedom and became an iconic figure in the abolitionist movement.
What was the 1863 Emancipation Act?
Legislation that freed enslaved individuals in the Confederacy
This act marked a significant turning point in the fight against slavery in the United States.
What was the Civil War?
Conflict between the Northern and Southern United States over slavery and states’ rights
The Civil War ultimately led to the abolition of slavery in the U.S.
What is the 13th Amendment?
Amendment that abolished slavery in the United States
Ratified in 1865, this amendment formally ended the institution of slavery.
What does Jim Crow refer to?
Laws enforcing racial segregation in the Southern United States
Jim Crow laws persisted long after the abolition of slavery, institutionalizing racial discrimination.
What lessons can be found in the EB’s regarding the slave trade?
Various aspects of the slave trade, including its impact and legacy
The EB’s contain lessons that cover the history, effects, and moral implications of the slave trade.
