The British Raj was the rule of Britain in India between 1858 and 1947. British imperialism had many positive and negative effects on India. The fact that the Indian people lacked unity and were divided by geographical means meant that Britain could claim India as its colony. When the Company lost control, the British government took over India. This had positive and negative effects on India that continue to impact the present. On the one hand Britain introduced India to more modern technology and communication systems, had a positive economic impact and increased the standard of living of India. However, there were also several negative impacts that British imperial power had on India, including famine and the development of a racist culture in India. I will explore whether British imperial power was positive …show more content…
Firstly, The East India Trading Company would buy materials at a low price while selling processed goods at a high price, thus increasing their profit margins. Furthermore, India’s economy and industries before they were colonized were ruined by Britain due to the fact that Britain forced them to import their goods from Britain and not buy their own goods from India. Industries such as the handmade cloth industry, clock-making, metal, and carpentry industries, fell because cloth was made of better quality for cheaper in Britain because of mass production. Another negative effect of British imperialism in India was famine. Farmers were encouraged by Britain to grow cash crops – however, many people could not afford the cost of the food resulting in starvation. In addition, the government was controlled by Britain, and they did not allow the native people to have a say or be a part of politics or run for positions of power. The British also kept the best jobs for themselves and many western-educated Indians hated British