Positives and Negatives of British rule in India

Historians and researchers suggest that from 1870 to 1930 Britain took about 1% of India’s wealth per year. This was much less than the French, Dutch and Germans took from their lands.

Many people in India were pressured or forced to follow the beliefs and religion of the British

The British spent estimate £400 million in India between 1870 and 1930. They developed a coal industry, which didn't exist before. Public health and life expectancy increased under British rule – due to improved water supplies and treatment for malaria.

Research shows that India gained little economically from British rule. Britain gained hugely from ruling India, but most of the wealth created was not invested back into the country.

40% of India’s wealth was spent on the army to be used by Britain all over the world, while the great mass of Indians were incredibly poor.

‘India has become poor by Britain’s government. They take away our money from year to year. The most important jobs are reserved for themselves. We are kept in a state of slavery. They behave insultingly towards us and disregard our feelings…’ Ghandi

‘From 1815 to 1900 the British had built 2,300 miles of road and 2,900 miles of railway in India. The land used for farming increased from 400,000 acres to 3.2 million acres, the schools from 170 to 2900, the hospitals from 0 to 65…’