The Expansion of British Influence in Asia and the Rise of Nationalism

These flashcards cover key concepts, events, and terms related to the British expansion in Asia, the impact on local societies, and the rise of nationalism.

Black Hole of Calcutta

A historical event where EIC men were imprisoned by nawab in a cell and suffocated; avenged by Robert Clive.

EIC (East India Company)

A British trading company that controlled large parts of India; established regional power bases in Bengal, Madras, and Bombay.

Sepoys

Indian soldiers hired by British trading companies to protect their interests in India.

Taiping Rebellion

A massive civil war in China from 1850 to 1864 led by Hong Xiuquan, focusing on reforming society, driven by discontent with the Qing Dynasty.

Meiji Restoration

The period of Japanese modernization and industrialization beginning in 1868, aimed at strengthening Japan against Western powers.

Unequal Treaties

Treaties imposed by Western powers on Asian nations that favored foreign interests, notably the Treaty of Nanking after the First Opium War.

Pan-Indian Nationalism

A movement aimed at promoting unity among Indians across social, economic, and religious divisions, emerging in the early 19th century.

Opium War

Conflicts between Britain and China (1839-1842) over opium trade, resulting in the Treaty of Nanking and the opening of China to British trade.

Indentured Servitude

A labor system where people, primarily from Asia, were contracted to work for a specified period in exchange for passage to colonies.

Brahmo Samaj

A reformist movement founded by Rammohun Roy aiming to unite Western nationalism with Indian religious traditions and promote social reforms.