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Sepoy Rebellion Dbq

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The Sepoy Rebellion, also called the First War of Independence due to its anticolonial nature, was a conflict between the sepoys, which is an Indian soldier being paid by the British East India Company (BEIC), against the rule of the BEIC in India. The British East India Company (BEIC) was an English company formed to trade with South Asia and China. After the Battle of Plassey, the BEIC gained control of Bengal, officially starting company rule in South Asia. Over time, the BEIC grew both in wealth and in power in India. As they grew, the BEIC shifted its power more heavily towards financial gain, neglecting the native population. The British East India Company's lack of respect for the people of India, be it religious, economic, or administrative, …show more content…

Before the BEIC, India was one of the wealthiest countries globally. Indian products like spices, textiles, and the country’s precious stones were highly desired, giving them a major role in trade. Once the BEIC took control, India’s wealth diminished greatly. The British put in place taxes on wealthy landowners and on “the trade of all fine and valuable merchandise.” (Document 9) These taxes were a major blow to the Indian economy. Merchants and landowners alike were making a fraction of the money that they had been before the BEIC took over. This frustrated the people of India. They felt anger and resentment towards the British as a result of the BEIC destroying “their nationality,” viewing themselves now as “struggling for the independence of their country and the defense of their homes.” (Document 10) The BEIC’s taxes were viewed as an attack, one that caused India to lose its wealth and power globally. Up until this point, India hadn’t been in a direct line of fire by another country. With their newfound vulnerability, the people of India were …show more content…

Once the BEIC had control over India, they reshaped the government to better suit their needs. For instance, the BEIC required that natives couldn’t serve in “civil administration till they become Christian,” seeing that “no civil or military servant in India rises to a position of real influence or distinction.” (Document 15) Before the BEIC, India’s government was self-sufficient and flourishing. Laws were passed in response to problems that people were encountering, with the well-being of the people as the key objective. The BEIC was not taking into account the natives. They are looking to gain as much wealth and power as possible for themselves on behalf of the British. As a result of the exclusion of natives from the “Legislative Council of India,” they felt that all laws “were passed with a view to degrade and ruin them.” (Document 3) The BEIC were outsiders who were now making all of their decisions for them. The people of India had no voice in the government under the

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