Effects Of British Imperialism

Direct British Imperialism in India took place from 1858 to 1947. For about 90 years, the British had total control over the Indian government. The British had also been involved economically with India for about 100 years before the direct control, or Raj, began. Britain gained a wealth of natural resources and markets, which benefited Britain’s economy. India, however, was hurt by British Imperialism, as the cash crops filling their fields caused famine and poverty, and they were blocked from having a role in their own government. India still benefited from imperialism in some ways.On the whole, Britain profited and benefitted, and India was set back in some ways but grew in others.

The greatest effect that imperialism in India had on Great Britain was that natural resources were now available to its factories in large quantities. No longer did Britain have to rely on other countries for resources, it was able to sustain all of the factors of production. Document one points this effect out by stating; “...these places can yield the tropical produce (resources) that their citizens need.” The British used India in this way, as a means to advance themselves economically, giving themselves more power. Since the British controlled all of the factors of production in its manufacturing economy, other countries were at a deficit if they wished to trade with the British. In other words, they would purchase from the British, but the British would not purchase anything from them,