Analyze the British Industrial Revolution’s impact on India’s economy critically. (125 Words) [UPPSC 2019]
Social Factors Class Inequality: A stark divide between the wealthy nobility and the impoverished peasantry created social unrest. The vast majority of Russians lived in poverty, while the elite enjoyed considerable privileges. Autocratic Rule: The rigid autocratic system under Tsar Nicholas II leftRead more
Social Factors
- Class Inequality: A stark divide between the wealthy nobility and the impoverished peasantry created social unrest. The vast majority of Russians lived in poverty, while the elite enjoyed considerable privileges.
- Autocratic Rule: The rigid autocratic system under Tsar Nicholas II left little room for political reform or dissent. The lack of political freedom and widespread repression fueled discontent.
- Industrialization: Rapid industrialization led to poor working conditions, low wages, and exploitation in factories, increasing discontent among the urban working class.
- Intellectual Movements: Revolutionary ideas gained traction among intellectuals and students, who criticized the autocracy and advocated for democratic reforms and socialism.
Economic Factors
- Economic Strain: Russia’s involvement in World War I placed a severe economic burden on the country, causing food shortages, inflation, and economic instability.
- Agricultural Problems: The agricultural sector struggled with outdated practices and poor management, leading to food shortages and contributing to peasant unrest.
- Poor Governance: Economic mismanagement by the Tsarist regime exacerbated economic difficulties, leading to widespread dissatisfaction and calls for change.
These social and economic factors combined to create a volatile environment, leading to the Russian Revolution of 1917.
See less
Effects of the British Industrial Revolution on India's Economic Life 1. Deindustrialization: The British Industrial Revolution led to the deindustrialization of India's traditional industries. British policies favored British manufactured goods, resulting in the decline of Indian textiles and handiRead more
Effects of the British Industrial Revolution on India’s Economic Life
1. Deindustrialization: The British Industrial Revolution led to the deindustrialization of India’s traditional industries. British policies favored British manufactured goods, resulting in the decline of Indian textiles and handicrafts. For example, the textile industry in Bengal suffered as British cotton textiles flooded the Indian market.
2. Economic Exploitation: India was used as a raw material supplier and market for British industries. Railways and infrastructure were developed primarily to facilitate resource extraction and transportation of goods to Britain. This led to economic drain and exploitation of Indian resources.
3. Agricultural Impact: The focus on cash crops for export, such as jute and tea, altered traditional agriculture. This led to land degradation and food shortages, impacting the livelihoods of farmers. Recent examples of such exploitation are seen in Punjab’s green revolution where intensive farming led to soil depletion.
Conclusion: The British Industrial Revolution had a profound negative impact on India’s economy by deindustrializing local industries, exploiting resources, and altering agricultural practices, leading to long-term economic challenges.
See less