British Policies in India

During the 19th century, British diplomatic relations with China significantly impacted India’s trade policies. Here are some key ways in which this occurred –

• Britain’s diplomatic relations with China were marked by the Opium Wars (1839-1842, 1856-1860) which led to the imposition of unequal treaties on China. These treaties forced China to open up its ports to British trade including the opium trade which had a profound impact on India’s trade policies.
• The opium trade, which was largely controlled by the British East India Company had a significant impact on India’s economy. India was forced to produce opium, which was then exported to China, earning huge profits for the British. This led to a significant drain of wealth from India and had a negative impact on India’s trade policies.
• The opium trade also led to a significant trade deficit for British India as India had to import goods from Britain to pay for the opium exports to China. This trade deficit had a negative impact on India’s economy and limited its ability to develop its own industries.
• The British India government’s trade policies which were influenced by its diplomatic relations with China had a negative impact on Indian industries such as textiles. The British imposed heavy tariffs on Indian textiles making it difficult for them to compete with British textiles in the Chinese market.
• The British India government’s trade policies influenced by its diplomatic relations with China led to a shift towards export led growth. India was forced to focus on producing goods for export rather than for domestic consumption which had a negative impact on India’s economic development.

In summary, British diplomatic relations with China had a profound impact on India’s trade policies during the 19th century leading to a significant drain of wealth, a trade deficit and a negative impact on Indian industries.

Public opinion played a significant role in shaping British foreign policy towards India in the 20th century. The British public’s growing awareness of Indian nationalist movements and the brutal suppression of dissent by British authorities contributed to a shift in public opinion with many Britons beginning to question the morality of colonial rule.

Key factors influencing public opinion –

• Reports of British atrocities such as the Amritsar Massacre (1919) and the Salt March (1930) sparked widespread outrage and sympathy for the Indian cause.
• The growing Indian diaspora community in Britain helped raise awareness about Indian issues and mobilized public support for Indian independence.
• The Labour Party and liberal activists, such as Bertrand Russell and George Orwell advocated for Indian self rule and criticized British colonial policies.
• As the British economy struggled during the interwar period, the cost of maintaining the Indian Empire became increasingly unpopular among the British public.

Impact on British foreign policy –

• The British government responded to public pressure by introducing gradual reforms such as the Government of India Act (1935) which expanded Indian autonomy.
• The cumulative effect of public opinion and international pressure led to the eventual grant of independence to India in 1947.
• The British government’s approach to India shifted from colonialism to a more collaborative relationship within the Commonwealth framework.

In conclusion, public opinion played a crucial role in shaping British foreign policy towards India in the 20th century contributing to a gradual shift from colonialism to decolonization and the eventual grant of independence to India.