1 Imperialism: this one word is used to represent a complicated concept. Imperialism is defined by Dictionary.com as “the extension of an empire over a nation”, essentially one nation taking over another and proceeding to control it. Imperialism has been evident throughout history, and one of the most prominent examples is the British takeover of India. Indian civilization dates back more than five-thousand years (Culture Grams Online Addition Web) and has a history of oligarchies, split kingdoms, and rebellions. This fragmented state was how British traders found India upon their arrival in 1601. However, the English merchants dreamed not of domination, but trade. Fortunes were made in this new land, but the idea of trade turned into something
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Rebellions such as the India Rebellion of 1857 and peaceful protests lead by Gandhi forced the British to execute reforms, such as the removal of the salt tax, which was a blow to the revenue of Britain. In addition to this, British imperialistic rule over India did come to an end. With the end of World War II and the Indian people pushing for independence, Britain capitulated and agreed to grant India its independence. In February of 1947, Britain announced it would withdraw out of India by June of 1948. However, despite these difficulties, the imperialist rule of India benefitted Britain, and even India, as the British brought internal peace and economic and industrial development (Britannica School Web). The power of the British empire was able to put down rebellion with minimal struggle, overcome the expense, and reap the numerous benefits that dictating India brought.
The chapter of Imperialism in British history was an important one, as it shaped British policy for over a century. Britain’s triumph over India benefitted Britain through gleaning them resources and an ally during the world wars. With minimal resources used during the conquest, the reward highly exceeded the cost. In the end, Britain and India parted ways on peaceful terms, working out their differences, and each having helped one another. British India will forever remain an exemplary example of successful Imperialistic
Rebellions such as the India Rebellion of 1857 and peaceful protests lead by Gandhi forced the British to execute reforms, such as the removal of the salt tax, which was a blow to the revenue of Britain. In addition to this, British imperialistic rule over India did come to an end. With the end of World War II and the Indian people pushing for independence, Britain capitulated and agreed to grant India its independence. In February of 1947, Britain announced it would withdraw out of India by June of 1948. However, despite these difficulties, the imperialist rule of India benefitted Britain, and even India, as the British brought internal peace and economic and industrial development (Britannica School Web). The power of the British empire was able to put down rebellion with minimal struggle, overcome the expense, and reap the numerous benefits that dictating India brought.
The chapter of Imperialism in British history was an important one, as it shaped British policy for over a century. Britain’s triumph over India benefitted Britain through gleaning them resources and an ally during the world wars. With minimal resources used during the conquest, the reward highly exceeded the cost. In the end, Britain and India parted ways on peaceful terms, working out their differences, and each having helped one another. British India will forever remain an exemplary example of successful Imperialistic