How was the Indian economy impacted in the long term by the Industrial Revolution?(1 point) Responses The British extracted raw materials for their industries, leaving India unable to grow their own industries. The British extracted raw materials for their industries, leaving India unable to grow their own industries. Cash crops brought significantly more profits to farmers, motivating many to start growing them to pay their taxes. Cash crops brought significantly more profits to farmers, motivating many to start growing them to pay their taxes. Railroads and other infrastructure were built by the British to transport goods throughout India and to the coast for shipment to England. Railroads and other infrastructure were built by the British to transport goods throughout India and to the coast for shipment to England. Economic growth was slower in areas where the British exacted agricultural taxes.

1 answer

The long-term impact of the Industrial Revolution on the Indian economy can be summarized as follows:

  1. Extraction of Raw Materials: The British extraction of raw materials for their industries significantly stunted India's ability to develop its own industrial base. This left India primarily as a supplier of raw materials while British industries flourished, hindering local industrial growth.

  2. Shift to Cash Crops: The focus on cash crops for export often led to food insecurity and changes in local agriculture. Farmers grew cash crops to meet tax obligations, which could be profitable but also increased dependency on a commodity market controlled by British interests.

  3. Infrastructure Development: While the British did build railroads and other infrastructure, these developments primarily served the interests of British trade, facilitating the movement of goods to ports for export rather than fostering internal economic development in India.

  4. Impact of Agricultural Taxes: Areas subjected to heavy agricultural taxes often experienced slower economic growth and increased poverty, as farmers struggled to meet tax demands, leading to detrimental effects on local economies.

In conclusion, the long-term effects of the Industrial Revolution on the Indian economy were marked by colonial exploitation, altered agricultural practices, focused infrastructure development for export, and economic challenges in agricultural regions.