In the late eighteen and nineteen hundreds, imperialism, stemming mostly from Europe, caused the continents for Africa and Asia to be broken up into colonial territories. Of the many areas Britain entered, claimed and colonized, India was one of them. However, both the British and the Indians saw and experienced different positive and negative effects of imperialism.
The British, having been the ones doing the colonizing, obviously saw the good in having India as a colony. As O.P. Austin said in Document 1, Britain got the raw materials and produce from the land. In turn, Britain took these goods and finished them in English factories. Afterwards, they were re-sold very convenient market in India. Austin justifies this money making scheme by explaining how Britain has given Indians the "blessings of civilization" such as food, factories, schools, and development of the land. Even some Indians, like Dadahabai Naoroji agreed in part with imperialism in India. The major point Naoroji makes in Document 2 is that Britain brought political peace to the country. Another Indian, Romesh Dutt, repeats the same thing, calling peace "the greatest human blessing." He also adds that Britain helped India out by introducing it to the most recent and modern thought, sciences, and way of life. Britain also set up a government that was firm and efficient. New laws were put in place along with courts for carrying out justice. In Document 4, British historian J.A.R. Marriot continues in revealing the benefits India receive from colonization. He explains how transportation has greatly improved (14,00 miles of railway, and 70,000 miles of paved road.) along with the agriculture business. With irrigation, 30 million acres were opened up for farming. Marriot also states that because of Britain, India has started to industrialize and achieve a higher standard of living. Lastly, British writer Sir Reginald Coupland offered some of the social benefits India receive from imperialism.
