Understand the effects of British colonial rule on India; explain the motivations that contribute to conflict, cooperation, and interdependence among groups and nations; explain imperialism from the perspectives of the colonized and colonizers.

In 1600, Queen Elizabeth I granted a charter to the British East India Company, giving it a monopoly on the lucrative trade with India. Over the next 200 years, the Company became so powerful that it effectively ruled the subcontinent until the British government assumed control in 1858. The British colonial presence in India brought both positive and negative changes to the lives of the Indian people. Improvements in transportation routes, legal system reforms, development of exports, and a weakening of the caste system all contributed to the enhancement of daily life. However, insensitivity to Indian customs and beliefs, economic policies that favored the British, and domination of political spheres sowed the seeds of discontent, causing many to resent the British presence.

• CA  10.4:1-4
• TX  113.33(6): c; 113.33(7): a, b; 113.38(1): c, d
• FL  SS.A.3.4:
• NCSS  II(HS): d-f; IX(HS): b, e, f

2 class periods

• Activity Sheet, British Imperialism in India
• Map, British Conquest of India 
• Graphic Organizer, 2-Column Table
• Debate Rubric

Students have the opportunity to write an Analytical Essay (see Extension below).

Did the British colonial presence have an overall positive or negative influence on the lives of the Indian people?

Point of View Students will hold a debate in which they argue whether British rule was a positive or negative influence on the lives of the Indian people. Group members will research the impact of British influence on various aspects of daily life in 19th-century India.

Have students research the topic using the provided links. Encourage them to use the suggested graphic organizer as they read the articles.

A 1900 advertisement for medicine features Lord Roberts, a British war hero who commanded troops in India.

To start students thinking about the effects of British colonial rule, have them examine the advertisement.

Key questions students should answer are:

• How does this British advertisement portray Lord Roberts?
• How does this portrayal reflect British attitudes about their Empire and its expansion in places such as India?

Distribute the Student Activity sheet. Divide the class into two groups – those who will argue that British rule had a positive influence on India, and those who will argue that it did not.

Tell students that they will research the following topics in preparation for the debate. Remind students to keep in mind the effects of British influence on each of these areas of Indian daily life.

• The Roles of Men and Women
• Housing
• Education
• Political Life
• Recreational Life
• The Caste System

Tell students that you will act as moderator. Review rules for the debate. Explain that each group will give an opening statement and have time for a rebuttal and closing argument.

Use the Debate Rubric to assess students’ performance.

Have students reflect on their performance and use the list of expectations to judge how well they met the criteria.

Ask students: Is imperialism sometimes justified?

Expository Writing Have students use Daily Life through History to research and write about the impact of imperialism in Africa or East Asia.

Critical Thinking: APPLY