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East India Company Takes Control
At the Battle of Plassey the East India Company's troops have a huge victory over the Indian forces after allying with France. -
The Sepoy Mutiny
Cartridges for Enfield rifles were greased with beef and pork fat, and to use the cartridge the end had to be bitten off. Both Hindus and Muslims were greatly offended, because Hindus consider the cow sacred and Muslims do not eat pork. They refused to use the cartridges and many were jailed. The next day the sepoys reveled and took the city of Delhi. -
British Government Takes Complete Control
The mutiny was a turning point in Indian history, as the British Government soon took complete control from the East Indian Company. The area they took was called the Raj. -
First Nationalist Groups Surface
The Idian National Congress is formed by Hindu politicians who want to nationalize and free India. -
Formation of the Muslim League
After the Indian National Congress is formed, the Muslim League is created. They have the same goals as the INC, but want India to be controlled by Muslims. -
The Salt March
Ghandi organized a demonstration to defy the Salt Acts, which stated that Indians could only buy salt from the government. Ghandi and his people walked 240 miles to the coast and made their own salt from sea water. -
Indian Resistance Intensifies
The Indian people begin to resist against their British rulers more intensely after having their armed forces commited to fighting in World War II. Indian Nationalists were humiliated, and Mohandas Gandhi started a nonviolent campaign of noncooperationwith the British. -
British Officials Make Promises
British officials make promises to the Indian nationalists to change their government after the war. The nationalists decline as none of these changes included Indian independence. -
Hindu and Muslim Riots Break Out
The Hindu and Muslim people both wanted their religion to take control over India after WWII. Because of this disagreement riots broke out in the streets of Calcutta. 5,000 people died and 15,000 were injured. -
End Result: Independence of India
The British become convinced that partition would be the only safe way to ensure a secure region. India is split into two areas, Pakistan in the north-west and east for Muslims, and India in the middle area for Hindus. The British House of Commons passed an act that granted both nations independence.
