Imperialism in India Test

sepoys

Indian soldiers employed by the British East India Company, primarily in the 18th and 19th centuries, who played a crucial role in military operations

jewel in the crown

The term used to describe India's significance to the British Empire, referencing its wealth and resources.

Sepoy Mutiny

A major rebellion in 1857 against British rule in India, led by sepoys who were dissatisfied with British policies, ultimately marking the beginning of a significant anti-colonial movement; BEGINNING OF THE END OF BRITISH RULE

Sati

practices that were targets of British reform efforts; It involved the burning of widows on their husband's funeral pyre

Thuggee

A secret society in India known for committing acts of banditry and murder, particularly against travelers, often associated with ritualistic beliefs.

British Raj

The period of British rule in India from 1858 to 1947 (QUEEN VICTORIA), characterized by direct control by the British government and significant political, economic, and social changes in Indian society.

Rowlatt Acts

Laws enacted in 1919 by the British colonial government in India that allowed for the arrest and detention of Indians without trial, significantly curtailing civil liberties and leading to widespread unrest; led to Amritsar massacre

Amritsar Massacre

A tragic event in 1919 where British troops opened fire on a peaceful gathering of Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs at Jallianwala Bagh who were protesting Rowlatt acts, resulting in hundreds of deaths and injuring many more, igniting widespread outrage against British rule.

Civil Disobedience

A nonviolent act of disobeying laws or commands of a government as a form of protest, notably used by Mahatma Gandhi in the Indian independence movement against British colonial rule.

Salt March

A significant nonviolent protest led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930, where thousands of Indians marched 240 miles to the Arabian Sea to produce salt in defiance of British salt laws, symbolizing resistance against colonial taxation and policies.

noncooperation

A movement initiated by Mahatma Gandhi in the early 1920s, advocating for the nonviolent withdrawal of cooperation with British authorities as a means to resist colonial rule and promote Indian self-governance.

Indian Congress Party

A major political party in India founded in 1885, playing a crucial role in the Indian independence movement and advocating for civil rights and self-governance for Indians under British rule. Mostly Hindu but some Muslim members.

Muslim League

A political party founded in 1906 that sought to represent the interests of Muslims in India and played a significant role in the struggle for independence, ultimately advocating for the creation of Pakistan; would not accept independence under Hindu rule

Partition

Division of British India in 1947 into the countries of India and Pakistan, resulting in widespread communal violence and the displacement of millions, the Muslim League supported it and British implemented it.

Mughals

A muslim dynasty that ruled much of India from the early 16th to the 19th century, known for its cultural contributions, architectural achievements, and establishment of a centralized government, significantly influencing Indian society and history.

Robert Clive

A British officer and soldier who was a key figure in the establishment of British control in India during the 18th century, founding the British East India Company's dominance following the victory at the Battle of Plassey in 1757.

East India Company

A trading company established in 1600, it played a crucial role in the British colonization of India, initially focusing on trade but eventually gaining territorial control and political power.

Ram Mohun Roy

An Indian social reformer in the 19th century, known as the "Father of the Indian Renaissance" for his efforts to modernize Indian society and promote education, women's rights, and the abolition of practices like sati.

Mohandas K. Gandhi

A prominent leader in the Indian independence movement against British rule, Gandhi advocated for nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience, significantly influencing the struggle for India’s freedom.

Mustafa Kemal

Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, who implemented extensive reforms to transform Turkish society and government.

Reza Shah Pahlavi

the Shah of Iran who initiated a series of modernization reforms and sought to secularize the country, ultimately establishing a strong central government.

Ibn Saud

the founder of Saudi Arabia, who united the kingdom and implemented significant reforms to modernize the country.

Muhammad Ali Jinnah

the leader of the All-India Muslim League and the primary architect of Pakistan, who advocated for the rights of Muslims in India.

Sikhs

A religious community from the Punjab region of India, known for their distinct beliefs in equality, service, and the pursuit of justice, with a significant history intertwined with the struggles of India.

Jawaharlal Nehru

the first Prime Minister of India and a key figure in the Indian independence movement, advocating for democratic socialism and a secular state.

Indira Gandhi

the first and only female Prime Minister of India, known for her central role in Indian politics and her controversial policies during her time in office.

Benazir Bhutto

the first female Prime Minister of Pakistan and a prominent political leader, known for her efforts to modernize the country and advocate for women's rights.

3 Causes of the Sepoy Mutiny

1.) Economic problems, resentment, and nationalism were at a high

2.) Gossip spread that the British dipped bullets in Pork and Beef fat

3.) 85 out of 90 sepoys were jailed after refusing to accept bullets, widespread outrage

3 Effects of the Sepoy Mutiny

1.) Sikhs remained loyal to the British

2.) Briitsh government took direct control of India

3.) Rise of Indian nationalist movements leading to eventual independence

3 Effects of the Amritsar Massacre

1.) Gandhi urged the INC to follow noncooperation and civil disobedience

2.) Nationalist sentiments increased significantly among Indians

3.) Many Indian leaders shifted from wanting reform to indepedence

3 Effects of the Salt March

1.) Participants were beaten by the police and newspapers spread the news.

2.) Followers raided salt works and took salt, harming the British

3.) The movement inspired greater unity among Indians and increased support for independence.

3 Effects of the Partition on India

1.) Millions had to migrate to either India or Pakistan and many were killed on the journey

2.) Led to the Pakistan Civil War and creation of Bangladesh

3.) Significant communal tensions increased, leading to ongoing violence and disputes between religious groups.

3 Positive Effects of Colonialism in India

1.) Large roads & railroads established, telegraph and postal systems set up

2.) Industrialization of India

3.) Sanitation and healthcare improved

Negative Effects of Colonialism in India

1.) British held economic and political power

2.) British restricted Indian industries like cotton

3.) Conversion to cash crops caused famine

4.) Missionaries and racism threatened Indian culture

5.) Indian resources went straight to Britain and British imports replaced local goods

Mustafa Kemal’s reforms

1.) Separated laws of Islam from laws of nation

2.) Abolished religious courts, created legal system based on Euro. law

3.) Granted women rights to vote and hold public office

4.) Industrialization to spur economic growth