2.8.4

Chapter 8 Section 4 Page 193-198 Tyler Cox and Sydney Walter

Students will understand the effects of British rule in India and what caused Indian nationalism. Homework:

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[|Tyler's Link on Indian Nationalism] The Indian National Congress was created in 1885 to express the Indian people's want for Independence. At that time, the British Raj was still in power and colonial policies were being enforced. During the later part of the 19th century, Indian leaders and workers became aware of the negative impact the British Raj had on India's economy. Western ideas had also been introduced to Indian rulers and intellectuals. Several things, besides the realizations of some Indians about the nature of the British Raj, lead to Indian nationalism and unification. British rule organized and unified the regions by making them economically dependent on one another. India's long past, new use of literature to communicate public opinion, and social reform movements also united the Indian people. The people wanted a nation free from racist rulers and colonial policies; in 1947, India achieved independence.

[|Sydney's link on the British Empire in India] This article is interesting because it is from the United Kingdom's national archives, but seems to have no bias. It explains three main topics. Firstly, It gives the pros and cons of the British empire and explores both sides of the controversy. Secondly, the article gives details about the Indian Mutiny. The Indian Mutiny was what the British called the Sepoy Rebellion. Most historians do not like the term "Mutiny" because it suggests that only Indian troops were involved, where in reality, the rebellion spread to local Indian rulers and peasants. Lastly the article talks about life under British rule. It includes improved education and technology, division in Indian society, and economical change. Overall, this source is reliable because it is maintained by a government but has no bias. It also provides primary source pictures and links for further research.

A Taste of Power media type="youtube" key="T3_NICOfzTM" width="560" height="315" The British minority used a facade of authority to control the population of India. To remain the rulers of India, the Englishmen had to appear like rulers. With upscale clothing, personal carriages, guards, large houses, and perceived superiority, the Europeans kept power. The image did not, however, last. In 1857, an uprising occurred in a British town called Lucknow. Indian soldiers rebelled against inequality and discrimination in the military. The conflict  until the rebels seized the British headquarters of Lucknow; for 5 months, thousands of Europeans hid in the building waiting for help to arrive. It is important to understand the atmosphere of a time period so one can see an effect of British rule in action. This video gives an example of the fragile barrier between peace and war for the British Raj and the Indian people.