History reading 1.

• Who compares the roles of Robert Clive and William Hastings in the growth of the East India Company?

  Scott Reeves
• What was the East India Company's military strength in 1803?

  260,000 soldiers in a private army
• What was the East India Company responsible for in terms of Britain's trade?

  Half of all Britain’s trade
• What were the key contributions of Robert Clive and William Hastings to the East India Company?

  • Laid foundations for two centuries of British rule
  • Helped in the expansion and transformation of the East India Company
  • Illustrated reasons for the company's eventual demise
• What was Robert Clive's initial position in the East India Company?

  Clerk on a modest salary
• How did Robert Clive rise through the ranks of the East India Company?

  His military potential was spotted after joining the company’s army
• What significant military achievement did Clive accomplish at the Siege of Arcot?

  He captured the city of Arcot
• What was the outcome of Clive's defense during the Siege of Arcot?

  He successfully defended against repeated assaults
• Why was the victory at the Siege of Arcot crucial for Britain?

  It helped make Britain the dominant European power in India
• What was the date of the Battle of Plassey?

  23 June 1757
• How did Clive manage to defeat Siraj ud-Daulah at the Battle of Plassey?

  He persuaded key Indian commanders not to fight
• What was the significance of the Battle of Plassey for the East India Company?

  It crushed the last serious resistance to British control in India
• What financial gain did Clive receive after the Battle of Plassey?

  A one-off payment of £1.5 million
• What did the Treaty of Allahabad allow the East India Company to do?

  Gather land taxes and customs duties in Bengal
• How did the Treaty of Allahabad change the East India Company's status?

  It transformed the company from a business into a regional government
• What were the key events in the timeline of the East India Company from 1600 to 1858?

  • 1600: Royal charter allows trading
  • 1720: Responsible for 15% of British imports
  • 1757: Battle of Plassey victory
  • 1765: Treaty of Allahabad
  • 1800: 50% of world trade
  • 1857: Rebellion against company rule
  • 1858: British government takes control
• What was the public perception of Robert Clive according to William Pitt the Elder?

  He was seen as a "heaven-born general" despite lacking formal military training
• What title was Robert Clive given in 1762?

  Baron Clive of Plassey
• What was the outcome of the government inquiry into the East India Company in 1772?

  Clive was cleared of wrongdoing
• Why did Clive's fortune and reputation remain controversial after the inquiry?

  Many MPs owned shares in the East India Company, leading to perceptions of corruption
• What was Warren Hastings' initial position in the East India Company?

  Clerk
• What languages did Warren Hastings learn to better understand India?

  Urdu and Persian
• How did Hastings' views differ from those of his contemporaries regarding the East India Company's operations?

  He had sympathy for Indian rulers and opposed excessive demands on them
• What was Hastings' role after he was promoted to the Calcutta Council?

  He found himself in conflict over the company's activities
• What was the outcome of the rebellion led by Mir Qasim against the East India Company?

  Qasim lost power but saved his life by fleeing to Delhi
• What was Hastings' approach as governor-general regarding Indian customs?

  He tried to adopt Indian customs and traditions
• What was the nature of the bureaucracy established by the East India Company under Clive's direction?

  It was ruthless and focused on profit
• What was the primary goal of the East India Company?

  To make a profit for its shareholders
• What was the equivalent value of Clive's fortune at the time of his death?

  £500,000, equivalent to £33 million today
• What was the perception of the East India Company by Mirzapur Singh?

  He viewed them as dishonorable traders
• How did the East India Company's actions affect its relationship with Indian rulers?

  They increased tensions and led to resistance
• What was the significance of the East India Company's control over Bengal?

  It marked a shift from trade to governance
• What were the consequences of the East India Company's ruthless bureaucracy?

  Increased taxes and use of torture for tax collection
• What was the role of the British government after the rebellion in 1857?

  They took direct control of East India Company territory
• What was the outcome of the parliamentary vote regarding Clive's alleged wrongdoing?

  He was cleared of wrongdoing
• How did Clive's actions contribute to the East India Company's expansion?

  His military victories and political maneuvers secured British dominance
• What does the contrasting views in Source F reveal about perceptions of the East India Company?

  It shows differing opinions on their honor and legitimacy
• What was the impact of the Carnatic Wars on the East India Company?

  It established British influence in India
• What was the East India Company's status in 1800?

  Responsible for 50% of all world trade
• What was the significance of the Treaty of Allahabad in 1765?

  It marked the beginning of British governance in India