How did the British colonise India? Flashcards
What was the East India Company?
It was given a royal charter by Elizabeth I in 1600. This meant only merchants belonging to this one company could buy and sell goods in India and from India back in Britain.
What sort of goods were traded amongst The East India Company?
Fine china, silk, coffee and spices
What would happen with these goods in Britain?
They were sold in Britain was high prices.
Where did the EIC first set up trading posts in India?
Surat, Madras and Bombay in the 17th Century
What did the EIC begin to do in the 18th Century?
Began to take great areas of Indian land on which they built forts to protect their trading posts.
Why did the EIC hire troops?
To protect their forts and to be used as protection against different Indian princes.
What was the Battle of Plassey?
In 1757, around 3,000 EIC troops (2.200 who were local Indian) led by Robert Clive defeated an Indian army of over 40,000.
What was the outcome of the Battle of Plassey?
Allowed Britain to expand further into India, and take over areas such as Bengal one of the richest parts of India.
Why did gaining revenue from India become even more important in the late 18th Century?
The British lost control of the American colonies in the late 1770s.
How can we describe the East India Company?
Notorious for its corruption, violence and high taxes. Many of the Britons who worked for the EIC lived in great luxury in India.
