Nationalism - India

Aim: What Were the Causes and Results of Imperialism in India?

Lesson Overview:

Item	Approx Time
Do Now	3-5 Min
Mini Lesson	15-20 Min
Activity	15 Min
Discussion	5-7 Min

India Nationalism & Independence

Imperialism Sparks Nationalism in Asia

Nationalistic movements in Asia are similar to those in Europe. The goals of autonomy (Independent rule) and self-rule are the same. Circumstances that led to the unification or the division of a place are alike. The catalysts for nationalism are, however, slightly different. Both are based on the corruption or ineffectiveness of a government on its subjects, but the sources are different. European abuse of power came from within (French kings over French people or disunity in Germany are examples). Asian nationalistic movements for independence are a direct reaction to imperialism. European nations were in a period of imperialization, or the taking over of another country for political, social, and/or economic gain. In this case, the Asian countries of China, Vietnam, and India had experienced long periods of imperialism at the hands of European authorities. As imperialism progressed, nationalistic movements rose up in an attempt to throw out foreign influence and gain independence.

British East India Company

During the 1600s, a joint-stock company called the British East India Company was chartered by Queen Elizabeth I of England. The company’s main objective was to make a profit for shareholders by exploiting the abundant natural resources and gaining access to the markets in India. Do you remember the Boston Tea Party in 1773? It was the taxes on tea not purchased from the British East India Company that allowed colonialists in the British American colonies a chance voice their opposition to British rule and "taxation without representation".

To do this, the British East India Company successfully used “divide and conquer” tactics to increase their control over entire regions of the Indian subcontinent. This strategy entailed fanning the flames of religious division between native Muslim and Hindu groups, and taking advantage of the political rivalries that existed between local native rulers.

By the 1830s, the British government had taken over control of the East India Company. Under British rule, native customs such as sati, the ritual suicide of a wife after her husband’s death, were banned. The British built schools and railroads, and missionaries spread Christianity.

Sepoy Mutiny

By 1857 the British army in India included a large number of Indian soldiers, or Sepoys. The rifle cartridges that were distributed to the Sepoys had to be bitten to remove a cover before being inserted into a gun. Rumors circulated among the Sepoys that this cover had been greased with beef and pork fat. This angered Muslim Sepoys who were not supposed to consume pork, and the Hindu Sepoys who were not supposed to eat beef. Thus, the Sepoys revolted against the British army, which eventually ended the conflict through use of force. This resulted in the British government officially taking control of India, making it a colony.

Some view this as the first act of Indian independence, which would not be achieved until after WWII with the formation of the countries of India and Pakistan.

Indian Nationalism

Indian nationalistic movements, such as ones led by the Indian National Congress, had made attempts at self-rule but had never been completely successful. The great proponent of a free India, Mohandas K. Gandhi, was instrumental in the Indian Nationalist Movement. Known as the Mahatma, or the Great Soul, Gandhi forced change and an end to British imperialism through a strict policy of non-violence, or passive resistance.

Examples of his civil disobedience included boycotts such as the Salt March, and hunger strikes. He also forced change at home by attempting to do away with the Hindu caste system. The rigid caste system separated religious and political classes from lower classes of laborers and outcasts with no hope at social mobility.

Violent episodes, such as the Amritsar Massacre, plagued India's movement to be come free. Great Britain, weakened by its efforts in World War II, finally conceded to Indian nationalist demands in 1948.

Partition of India

Despite the influence of Gandhi, India fell into disorder. Hindu people wanted an all-Hindu state and Muslims, led by the Muslim League wanted a separate state. Gandhi was assassinated because of this conflict. Eventually, Pakistan was formed as a separate Muslim state. Therefore, the strength and will of the common people both achieved Indian independence and tore India apart. The story of Mahatma Gandhi and Indian nationalism is one of history's greatest ironies. After the partition was announced many Muslims and Hindu people died in riots and violence throughout the country. The picture below represents people boarding trains to leave their respective areas to go to the other area which represented their religious beliefs.

Classwork & Homework

Lesson PowerPoint: Gandhi's Bio & Role in India's Independence

Lesson Video: Gandhi & Independence

Lesson Activity:

Homework: Assignments