Fall of the British Empire Study Guide

What is imperialism?

It is when a country takes over land to grow its own power.

How vast was the British Empire at its peak?

24% of the world.

What are the reasons the British Empire acquired colonies?

1. Taking over ports, 2. Divide and profit, 3. Giving the emperors gifts.

What is the idea of 'The White Man’s Burden'?

It was made to supposedly justify that the British’s actions were ok, and a good thing.

What is Divine Right?

The belief that the monarchs received power from God to rule over others. Made the country stronger than before.

What is a Monsoon?

Seasonal wind patterns that cause wet and dry seasons.

What is a subcontinent?

Parts of countries, large area of land, coming from a larger continent.

Where does India’s population rank worldwide?

1.417 billion people.

What are the main beliefs of Hinduism?

That people were born in their caste for a reason, and must strive to do their best in that position for better rebirth.

What is the caste system?

A system used by Hindus to show the level of importance in people, starting with Brahmins and ending with Dalits.

Why is the Ganges river significant to India?

It was a great resource for fishing and water, with over 400 million people living on its banks.

Why is the Indus river valley significant to India?

It is the backbone of agriculture and also served as a boundary between Afghanistan and Iran.

Where is the Kashmir region and why is it significant today?

A disputed region with historical significance relating to the partition and religious conflict.

Why is the Indian ocean significant to India?

It has rare resources and is essential for trade, being a location for some of the earliest docks.

Today, what is India’s economy mostly based on?

Spice and trade.

What is the main reason the British wanted to colonize India?

It was the main area for spices and located in the center of major trade routes.

What was the British East India Company?

A company formed to control and colonize India as a business, utilizing the local lower class as sepoys.

What are the lasting outcomes of British colonization in India today?

Lingering resentment and tensions between India and Britain.

What was the Sepoy rebellion?

A rebellion sparked by Indians refusing to bite into pig fat cartridges, leading to distrust between them and the British.

What is the British Raj?

The period when Queen Victoria assumed direct control over India, dismissing the British East India Company.

What is the Muslim League?

An organization created by upper-class Muslims to gain more representation in government.

What is the Indian National Congress?

An organization formed by upper-class citizens to advocate for reform and independence.

Who was Mahatma Gandhi?

A leader who advocated for India's independence through nonviolent protest.

What is Civil Disobedience?

A peaceful form of protest against the British instituted by Gandhi.

What was the 'Lahore Resolution'?

A proposal debating the partitioning of India into two states.

What was the Partition of India?

The division of India into India and Pakistan, leading to significant turmoil and loss of control.

What are the major religions of India & Pakistan today?

Islam and Hinduism.

Between which two groups was the conflict in Ireland?

Protestant Unionists and Catholic Nationalists.

What was the Easter Rebellion?

A rebellion initiated by Irish nationalists that catalyzed further resistance.

What became of the British Empire in the 20th century?

The monarchy remained as head of state but lost political power.

What does the British Monarchy do today?

It created the Commonwealth for greater international discussion and cooperation.