Unit 5 taking English to India

Scheduled Languages

Languages officially recognised by the Indian Constitution, given special status for government use and cultural preservation. There is 22 but the most widely spoken Indian Language is the Hindi

Mughal Empire

A powerful Islamic empire that ruled most of the Indian subcontinent from the early 16th to the mid-18th century, known for its administrative innovations, cultural achievements, and iconic architecture like the Taj Mahal.

Caste system

A hierarchical social structure traditionally associated with Hindu society, dividing people into rigid hereditary groups based on occupation and social status.

East India Company

A British trading corporation established in 1600 that eventually gained political and military control over large parts of India, leading to British colonial rule.

Sepoy Rebellion (1857)

the Indian Mutiny or First War of Independence, this was a widespread uprising by Indian soldiers (sepoys) against British rule, triggered by. grievances over pay, cultural insensitivity, and political oppression.

“Macaulay’s Children”

A term referring to Indians educated under the British colonial system, influenced by English culture and values as envisioned by Thomas Macaulay’s 1835 education policy aimed at creating a class of Westernised Indians.

Indian national Congress

A political party founded in 1885 that played a key role in India's struggle for independence. Initially seeking political reforms, it later led mass movements for full independence from British rule.

Mohandas Gandhi

A leader of India’s independence movement, known for his philosophy of non-violent resistance and campaigns against British colonial policies, culminating in India’s independence in 1947.

Salt March (1930)

Partition

The division of British India into two independent states, India and Pakistan, in 1947. It led to mass migrations, communal violence, and enduring political and religious tensions between the two countries.

Similarities with Settler Colonies (Canada and Australia) and Differences

Similarities:

-Cultural superiority
- Education as a Tool of Control
-Social Engineering

Differences:

-Colonial Objectives
-Nature of Colonisation
Scope of Education

Dark continent

Term historically used to describe African in the sense of being mysterious, unexplored, and uncharted by European civilization.

Imperialism

A policy or ideology of extending a country's power and influence over other nations or territories, often through colonization, military force, or economic dominance.

Scramble for Africa

The period during the late 19th century when European powers aggressively sought to colonize and divide Africa among themselves.

Berlin conference 1884

A meeting convened by European powers in Berlin to discuss the partition of Africa and avoid conflict among themselves over colonial expansion.

The conference established ground rules for European colonization of Africa, leading to the artificial borders that divided the continent without regard for ethnic, cultural, or historical divisions.

Areas of Influence

Regions or territories where a foreign power exercises control or influence, either directly or indirectly.

Sierra Leone

A country in West Africa that was founded in the late 18th century as a settlement for freed slaves from the Americas, particularly from Britain. It became a British colony in the 19th century and is significant for its history as a place where former slaves were resettled.

Liberia

A West African country founded in 1847 by freed American slaves, with the support of the American Colonization Society. Was never formally colonised by a European power.

How long did it take European powers to dominate sub-Saharan Africa?

Approximately 40 years

What were the Europeans’ motives ?

Europeans were motivated by the desire for wealth, primarily through the exploitation of Africa's natural resources such as rubber, petroleum, and ivory. They also sought strategic ports for merchant and naval ships, and imperial expansion provided economic and political power.

Effects of The transatlantic slave trade ?

Drastically reduced the populations of African societies and contributed to intertribal warfare. It disrupted local economies and societies, leading to long-term negative effects on African stability and unity.

What was the role of missionaries in Africa ?

Missionaries played a dual role: they urged Africans to abandon their traditional beliefs and adopt Western ways and religions. They opened schools and hospitals throughout the colonies, sometimes supporting the political and economic goals of the imperialist powers.

Why is the Congo an important example ?

The Congo is significant because it represents one of the most extreme examples of colonial exploitation. King Leopold and other wealthy Belgians used forced African labor to harvest rubber and ivory, leading to horrific conditions and a dramatic decline in the population.

How did the Belgian presence in the Congo affect other European countries?

The brutal exploitation in the Congo by the Belgians set off a "Scramble for colonies" among European powers like Britain, France, and Germany, who rushed to make claims in the region.

Segregation

The enforced separation of different racial groups within a country, community, or institution

Apartheid

A system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa that lasted from 1948 to 1994. Under apartheid, the white minority controlled the government, and non-white South Africans were subjected to numerous laws that restricted their rights and freedoms.

Township

A designated residential area for non-white people during the apartheid era in South Africa.

Townships were typically overcrowded, underdeveloped, and located far from urban centers where most white people lived.

Afrikaner

A South African ethnic group descended from Dutch, French, and German settlers. They are primarily known for their role in the development and maintenance of apartheid and the Afrikaans language.

ANC African National Congress

A political party and liberation movement in South Africa that led the struggle against apartheid. Founded in 1912, it played a key role in achieving the country's transition to democracy in 1994, with Nelson Mandela being a prominent member.

Rainbow Nation

To describe post-apartheid South Africa, symbolizing its diverse cultures, ethnicities, and races coming together in unity after the end of apartheid.

Reconciliation

The process of restoring relationships between different racial and ethnic groups in South Africa following the end of apartheid. It was aimed at healing the divisions caused by apartheid through truth-telling, forgiveness, and building mutual understanding.

Springboks

The national rugby team of South Africa.The Springboks have historically been a symbol of Afrikaner identity, but during the apartheid era, their participation in international sports was limited. They became a symbol of unity and national pride after the end of apartheid, notably during South Africa's 1995 Rugby World Cup victory.

What consequences did the Sharpeville Massacre have for South African history?

The Sharpeville Massacre (1960) marked a turning point in the anti- apartheid struggle. It led to widespread international condemnation, the banning of the African National Congress (ANC), and the shift of the ANC and other groups toward armed resistance.

How did international public opinion react to events in South Africa?

International public opinion increasingly condemned apartheid. Countries imposed sanctions, boycotts, and diplomatic pressure, while global protests and organizations like the United Nations called for the regime's end.

Name two leaders of anti-apartheid resistance and explain briefly their contribution to the movement.

Nelson Mandela: A key leader of the ANC, he advocated for both peaceful protests and armed resistance. After being imprisoned for 27 years, he became a symbol of the anti-apartheid movement and South Africa's first black president.

oDesmond Tutu: An Anglican bishop and activist, he used his platform to advocate non-violence and global sanctions against apartheid, earning a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts.

What role did sport play in national reconciliation?

Sport, particularly the 1995 Rugby World Cup, played a unifying role. Nelson Mandela’s support for the Springboks—a symbol of white dominance—helped bridge racial divides, creating a moment of national pride and symbolizing the "rainbow nation" vision.

Commonwealth

A political association of 56 member states, most of which were formerly territories of the British Empire. It promotes democracy, human rights, trade, and cultural exchange among its members.

Overseas territories

British Overseas Territories are regions under the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom but not part of it. They have varying degrees of self-government. Examples include Gibraltar, the Falkland Islands, and Bermuda.

Opium Wars

1839–1842 and 1856–1860 were conflicts between China and Britain over trade imbalances and Britain's illegal opium trade in China. These wars led to the cession of Hong Kong to Britain.

Umbrella Revolution

The Umbrella Revolution refers to the 2014 pro- democracy protests in Hong Kong, where citizens demanded universal suffrage and democratic reforms. Protesters used umbrellas to shield themselves from tear gas, making the umbrella a symbol of the movement.

Tax haven

A jurisdiction with low or no taxes, which attracts businesses and individuals seeking to minimise their tax obligations.

What are the origins of the Commonwealth? When was it created? What changes introduced the London Declaration in 1949?

• back to the early 20th century as the British Empire began to decline. It emerged as a way to maintain ties

  with former colonies that had gained independence.

• The Statute of Westminster (1931) formally recognised the autonomy of dominions within the British Empire, laying the foundation for the Commonwealth.

• The London Declaration in 1949 marked a pivotal change. It allowed republics and nations without a monarchy to join the Commonwealth as equal members, recognising their independence and sovereignty. This declaration transformed the Commonwealth into a voluntary association of nations.

Commonwealth flag

The flag features a globe surrounded by a symbolic sunburst, representing the unity and equal status of all member nations. The globe highlights the Commonwealth’s global reach and diversity, while the sunburst symbolises hope and shared aspirations.

Queen Elizabeth II

The Queen played a central role as the symbolic head of the Commonwealth. Her leadership was a unifying figure, representing continuity and a shared history. The image reflects the monarchy's ceremonial role in fostering ties among member states, despite the Commonwealth's shift to a modern, egalitarian organisation.

What does the trope of the Commonwealth as ‘family’ signify?

to emphasise:

• A sense of unity, shared values, and mutual support among diverse nations.

• Collaboration on global challenges like poverty, climate change, and education.

• Equal footing for all member states, regardless of size or power, creating a space for dialogue and cooperation.
  The ‘family’ metaphor symbolises both historical ties and a forward-looking approach to fostering solidarity and global partnerships.