Question

How did British rule impact the Indian economy?(3 points) Responses It transformed India into a modern, industrialized economy It transformed India into a modern, industrialized economy It improved the living standards of the Indian people It improved the living standards of the Indian people It led to the transfer of vast wealth from India to Great Britain It led to the transfer of vast wealth from India to Great Britain It encouraged the growth of local industries and businesses

Answers

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The impact of British rule on the Indian economy can be summarized in the following points:

1. **Transfer of Wealth**: British rule led to the systematic transfer of vast wealth from India to Great Britain. This included the extraction of resources, raw materials, and profits from Indian enterprises, which contributed to Britain's economic growth while impoverishing many sectors of the Indian economy.

2. **Destruction of Local Industries**: British policies often undermined traditional Indian industries, such as textiles, by introducing cheaper British goods and imposing tariffs that favored British imports, which stunted local industrial growth and contributed to deindustrialization in certain regions of India.

3. **Infrastructure Development**: Although primarily aimed at facilitating British economic interests, British rule did encourage some infrastructure development, such as railways, roads, and telecommunication systems. This infrastructure later laid the groundwork for India’s modern economy, even though it was often done at the expense of local needs and priorities.

Overall, while there were some developments in terms of infrastructure, the prevailing historical consensus is that British rule had a deleterious effect on India's economic structure, leading to widespread impoverishment and exploitation rather than true industrialization or improved living standards for the majority of Indians.

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