India as a whole Flashcards
P1. how did Britain first begin its involvement in India?
Intervention during the Indian Mutiney started by the sepoys rebelling against the East India Company. Caused by rumours over animal fat used to grease gun cartridges and Landowners who had been deprived from their land.
Massacres in Cawnpore and Lucknow fuelled public attitudes.
Restored the Raj in June 1858 with The Government of India Act.
P1. What reforms did the Government of India Act bring?
The East India Company’s territory was granted to the Queen. Secretary of state for India was created. The India Council was created to advise the Secretary of State. A Viceroy position was formed.
P1. What government reforms were conciliatory/beneficial in India?
Viceroy Canning toured India to win the support of Indian princes. Some land and titles were returned to Indians.
Star of India medals to loyal Indians.
Indians became more involved in government e.g. positions in the Imperial Assembly and Civil Service posts for nobility.
P1. Economic and infrastructure reforms that were beneficial for Indians?
Huge volume of British railway investment, 2 miles per day.
The number of tea plantations increased from 1 to 295.
Increase of raw cotton exports to Britain in the 1880s and 1890s.
P1. Economic and infrastructure reforms that weren’t beneficial for Indians?
British encouraged growth of cash-crops so India became reliant on importing cheaper grains and famines were a threat.
Irrigation and land improvements made where they supported British interests (6% of land was affected).
No heavy industry developed.
Jobs for Indians restricted by class.
P1. Educational reforms that were beneficial for Indians?
1857 there were universities established in Bombay, Madras and Calcutta.
Elite schools such as Rajkumar College and Mayo College were set up to train for Indian Civil Service.
Around 60,000 attended university in 30 years.
Mary Carpenter set up the National Indian Association (1870) to establish girls schools.
P1. What Military reforms weren’t beneficial for Indians?
Military had a ratio of 1:2 British to native troops.
Native troops were stationed in their own districts to prevent national identity.
More Gurkhas and Sikhs were recruited.
The number of white officers increased.
All field artillery controlled by British troops.
P1. Name one Viceroy and his actions.
Lord Lawrence, 3rd Viceroy of India. Secured peace between India and Bhutan. Didn’t act during the Famine in Orissa in 1866. Set up the Famine Commission after 1 million had died. Passed land revenue act that prohibited the eviction of ryots.
P1. What were the trade and commerce advantages of India?
The value of imports from India increased hugely e.g. between the years 1854-76, cotton imports increased from £1.5m to £5.9m, Jute £500k to £2.8m, Tea £24k to £2.4m and wheat £0 to £1.6.
P2. How did Britain control the North-West frontier of India?
Put down a major rebellion in 1897. Tried to use a process of self-policing. 1901 Curzon created the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP). Temporary invasion of Tibet in 1903.
P2. What was the background of Lord Curzon?
Wanted to impress the Indian population and prove British rule was enjoyable.
P2. What was the Indian Congress?
To appease the Middle Class Indians who wanted free rule. Had ‘The Servants of India’. Criticised the restraints on industry but were moderate. Sang the British anthem before sessions.
P2. What were the political reforms taken by Lord Curzon?
Reformed universities and police. Wanted to maintain order while giving elites greater opportunities.
P2. What were the economic reforms taken by Lord Curzon?
Set up Commerce and Industry department. Adopted gold standard for more stable currency.
P2. What military reforms were taken by Lord Curzon?
Founded the Imperial Cadet Corps (1901) to give princes and elites military training.
