To what extent is it accurate to argue that the 19th-century New Imperialism was more of a nationalistic movement than an economic phenomenon?
Model Answer Introduction The Industrial Revolution in England significantly contributed to the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India, fundamentally altering the economic landscape of the subcontinent. Introduction of Machine-Made Goods The arrival of machine-made textiles from EnglRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The Industrial Revolution in England significantly contributed to the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India, fundamentally altering the economic landscape of the subcontinent.
Introduction of Machine-Made Goods
The arrival of machine-made textiles from England drastically reduced production costs, leading to the replacement of traditional Indian handmade goods. By the 1830s, British cotton textiles flooded Indian markets, resulting in the collapse of India’s once-thriving cotton weaving industry. This shift marked a significant setback for local artisans who could not compete with the cheaper, machine-produced alternatives.
Decline in Export of Indian Textiles
India’s textile exports, highly sought after in Europe, plummeted due to the competition from British goods. The collapse of the Bengal Muslin industry, renowned for its fine fabric, exemplifies this decline, as British textiles dominated the market.
Exploitative Trade Policies
British trade policies imposed heavy tariffs on Indian textiles, making it nearly impossible for them to compete globally. Indian cotton textiles faced tariffs as high as 70-80%, while British goods faced no such restrictions, further crippling local industry.
Shift to Raw Material Export
Under British rule, India was transformed into a supplier of raw materials, primarily cotton, for British factories. In the mid-19th century, Indian raw cotton exports increased by over 300%, while local weavers struggled with rising raw material prices.
Technological Disparity
Indian cottage industries, reliant on handlooms, could not compete with advanced British machinery. While British power looms produced textiles rapidly, Indian handlooms remained labor-intensive, rendering local products uncompetitive.
Conclusion
In summary, the Industrial Revolution in England was a primary driver behind the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India, exacerbated by exploitative colonial policies, technological disparities, and changing consumer preferences. As British industries flourished, India’s artisan communities faced devastating socio-economic consequences, leading to widespread impoverishment and the erosion of traditional crafts.
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The New Imperialism refers to a period of competitive colonial expansion in Asia and Africa by European powers during the late 1875-1914. This is called New imperialism because this can be considered as the second wave of imperialism, as distinguished from the first wave that started from the 15th cRead more
The New Imperialism refers to a period of competitive colonial expansion in Asia and Africa by European powers during the late 1875-1914. This is called New imperialism because this can be considered as the second wave of imperialism, as distinguished from the first wave that started from the 15th century and continued up to the early 19th century.
Characters Of New Imperialism
Economic Factors Of New Imperialism
Nationalistic Factors Of New Imperialism
New imperialism was influenced by economic factors and counties avoided wars even when they were at loggerheads with each other. The paper partition of Africa by European powers can be seen as the best example of this fact. But beyond this economic motive, it had underlying nationalistic imperatives of the imperial powers. Hence new imperialism was at once both an economic and nationalist phenomenon.
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