D266 Task 3 Performance Assessment: British Empire & Indian Independence

Part A

Why Did the British Empire Expand During the 19th Century?

The 19th century marked a period of extensive growth for the British Empire, driven by several key factors including economic needs, ideological motivations, and strategic considerations. Economically, the Industrial Revolution created an enormous demand for raw materials such as cotton, tea, spices, and minerals, which were critical for British industries. Colonies like India not only supplied these essential resources but also served as important markets for British manufactured goods. This mutual dependency fueled the empire’s wealth and expansion.

Ideologically, the British justified their imperial pursuits with the concept of the “civilizing mission.” This belief system, grounded in notions of European racial and cultural superiority, framed the empire’s role as a moral obligation to spread Christianity, Western education, and European societal norms to what were deemed “uncivilized” populations. This ideology served as a veneer for the economic exploitation and political control exercised by Britain.

Strategically, securing vital trade routes and maintaining naval dominance were crucial. The expansion helped Britain protect its global commercial interests by controlling key sea lanes and ports, reinforcing its status as a dominant naval power.

How Did the British Establish and Govern India?

British control over India began with the British East India Company (EIC), originally a trading organization that gradually expanded its role to include administrative and military functions. The Company formed alliances with local rulers, monopolized resources, and increased territorial control through both diplomacy and military force. However, the Indian Rebellion of 1857 exposed the weaknesses of Company rule, leading the British Crown to dissolve the EIC and assume direct control, initiating the British Raj.

During the Raj, British officials governed India with the support of a strong military presence. They introduced Western-style institutions and a new education system that aimed to instill loyalty toward Britain. This education emphasized British literature, history, and moral values, often sidelining native languages and traditions. As a result, a Western-educated Indian elite emerged, influenced by British ideals but also critical of colonial rule. This group would later become the backbone of nationalist movements demanding independence.

Part B

How Did Nationalism Develop in India?

Indian nationalism emerged as a response to colonial domination, with the establishment of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885 marking a crucial early milestone. Initially, the INC sought moderate reforms and increased Indian participation within the British colonial framework. Over time, growing frustration transformed the movement’s objectives toward demanding full independence.

Prominent leaders like Mahatma Gandhi reshaped the struggle through nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience, known as Satyagraha. Gandhi’s strategies included peaceful protests, boycotts of British goods, and defiance of unjust laws. This approach successfully united Indians across diverse religious, caste, and socioeconomic backgrounds, fostering a broad-based movement against British rule.

What Events Led to Indian Independence?

One of the defining moments in India’s independence movement was Gandhi’s Salt March in 1930, a direct challenge to the British monopoly on salt and the related taxation. This peaceful protest galvanized millions and highlighted the power of nonviolent resistance.

Following World War II, Britain’s diminished economic strength and increasing international pressure hastened the decolonization process. The Indian Independence Act of 1947 officially ended British rule and partitioned British India into two sovereign nations: India and Pakistan. However, the partition resulted in extensive communal violence and large-scale population displacement, revealing the complex and painful consequences of independence.

Part C

How Did the Cold War Influence Decolonization?

The Cold War significantly impacted the political direction of newly independent countries. The rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union led both superpowers to vie for influence by offering military, economic, and political support to emerging nations.

India, led by Jawaharlal Nehru, adopted a policy of non-alignment, choosing not to side with either the capitalist or communist blocs. This policy preserved India’s autonomy in international affairs and contributed to the formation of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). Despite its neutral stance, India was a focal point for Cold War diplomacy, underscoring the strategic importance of postcolonial states.

References

Western Governors University. (2022). World History: Diverse Cultures and Global Connections. Retrieved from https://my.wgu.edu/courses/course/22640008/course-material

D266 Task 3 Performance Assessment: British Empire & Indian Independence