L2: The Indian Rebellion Flashcards
Which year was the Indian Rebellion?
1857-1859
What is the Indian Rebellion also known as and how does it change the dynamic?
The Indian Mutiny implies refusing to obey orders and presents the Indians in a bad light and showcases the British
The Sepoy Revolt also suggests violence and destruction and the British victimized
The First War of Independence showcases the reason why the Indians are fighting and gives a less violent but more peaceful approach along with the “Indian Rebellion”
What were the Indian soldiers called?
Sepoys
Who were the Sepoys rebelling against?
The British commanders who control them from the East India Company
What was the East India company?
An English company formed for the exploitation of trade and control with East and Southeast Asia and India
What caused the Indian Rebellion?
The belief of British dominance in Indian political, cultural and economical life begun in 1820
The Doctrine of Lapses was the British prohibiting a Hindu ruler without a natural heir and after the ruler died, the British annexed his land.
Missionaries challenged the religious beliefs of Hindus.
The British supplied the Indians with “Enfield rifles” which the Sepoys had to bite of lubricated cartridges to load it. The cartridges contained animal fat from pigs and cows which went against Hindus and Muslims
Was the Indian Rebellion violent?
Incredibly violent
How was the Indians violent towards the British?
Indians killed British and white women who lived in the area as well as men and soldiers
Which event shows the Indian violence towards the British during the rebellion?
The Siege of Lucknow
When was the Siege of Lucknow?
May 1857 - November 1857
What was the Siege of Lucknow?
A sustained assault and eventual relief of the British governmental headquarters in the city of Lucknow where the British attempted to rescue Sir Henry Lawrence and British troops along with innocent civilians
Who was Sir Henry Lawrence?
English soldier and administrator who helped consolidate British rule in the Punjab region
Did Henry Lawrence die in the Siege of Lucknow?
Yes, Henry died early in the siege on 4th July 1857
How did the British respond to the Indians violence?
They responded inhumanely as when reinforcements came in, massacred bodies left in the street to rot and soldiers were tied to cannons as a form of execution
What were the main events of the Indian Rebellion?
In Meerut, Sepoys refused to use the Enfield rifle and as a result was thrown into jail.
March to Delhi was a result of comrades who were responsible for shooting their British officers on 10th May in which the Meerut men joined the garrison and provided a whole focus
The Siege of Lucknow
Killing of British children and women
When did the Indian Rebellion end?
July 8 1859, peace was declared
What were the consequences of the Rebellion?
Indians were brought into government at a local level which was limited but a significant change.
The number of Bengali’s serving in the Indian army was reduced as they played a primary role in the rebellion.
British was strongly supported as the public was bombarded with stories of the massacres of Britons as well as the sexual assault of women and girls.
The British response was justified
How did the Indian Rebellion effect the East India Company?
East India Company ended by the Governments India Act 1858 in which the company was dismissed and its ruling powers were transferred to the British crown
What was the government control in India known as?
The Raj
When did the Raj end?
Until its independence in 1947
Who gained control of India now the East India Company was dismissed?
The British Crown
How was these governmental changes to India announced?
Through the Royal Proclamation of 1858 which was announced to the “Princes, Chiefs and people of India”
Who issued the Royal Proclamation of 1858?
Queen Victoria
What did the Royal Proclamation of 1858 sought to do?
Maintain peace after the Rebellion and the tenor (tone) of the proclamation was one of generosity and benevolence
How did the Royal Proclamation affect the lives of British India?
The people of British India were given the same rights as all who lived in the empire.
It also promised to support religious toleration, to recognize the “customs of India” and end racial discrimination to ensure “all shall alike enjoy the equal impartial protection of the law”
