Native American Imperialism

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Throughout early modern history, colonial exploitation has occurred at the hands of imperialist Europe. Today it is much easier to recognize when a person or a country is being exploited. However back in the 17th, 18th and 19th century that was not the case. When the British invaded (what is now known as) India in 1600 the Indians were naïve and not able to anticipate the oppression they would soon encounter. Over the years the British were conniving, cunning and ruthless when it came to exploiting India economically, socially and politically. Their actions and intentions were self-serving; after Britain experienced the Industrial Revolution they kept the newfound ideologies and innovations to themselves. In addition, the British governed India…show more content…
Therefore, Indians were unable to differentiate guidance and service from exploitation. In the 18th and 19th centuries the British were experiencing the Industrial Revolution, which would forever change their economy. Even though the Industrial Revolution negatively impacted the majority of Britain, it did advance their economic knowledge as they accomplished many new theories involving new technology. The British decided to conceal new technology from their so-called allies the Indians. It was evident that the British would not help the Indian economy until it negatively impacted their own interests. When Japan became India’s main textile competitor (rather than Manchester) the British gave it the protection and help that was needed (Maddison, 1). The Indians experienced imperialism from the British undeniably as, “imperialism is an unequal relationship, with one country of reign expressing and pursuing interest at the expense of another a shift in balance of assets in favour of England against India must have occurred” (Schweintz, 93). This is merely one example of how the British took advantage of India. The British government would inflict protective tariffs (taxes) on the Indian textile…show more content…
The negative economic and political impact the British imposed on the India was nothing compared to what they had to endure socially. The British suppressed the Indian’s religious views, restrained the educational advancement and limited their job opportunities. Education should have played a major role in developing India socially as a country, yet the British decided to only slightly educate the Indians to a point that would benefit them alone (Maddison, 6). The British had a strong and growing dislike towards Indians and therefore used the excuse of fear as the reasoning for not wanting to employ them equally to the rest of the British population in India. They could have properly educated Indians however, “there was widespread belief among Englishmen that the Indians could not be trusted with positions of influence and control. This belief was based partly… on the growing prejudice that both Hindu and Muslim societies were so corrupt that Indians could not be employed at the highest levels of government” (Embree, 19). As a result of this prejudice only British people were employed in high positions. Education could have eliminated religious superstitions and increased the status of women, however since it was not used to it’s full potential nothing changed. Women were treated horribly by the British; there was one case of a, “British official who maintained a harem of thirteen women”
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