The reasons why the inflow of fine Indian cotton into Britain and othe...
(i) As cotton industries developed in England, industrial groups began worrying about imports from other countries. They pressurised the government to impose import duties on cotton textiles so that Manchester goods could sell in Britain without facing any competition from outside.
(ii) At the same time industrialists persuaded the East India Company to sell British manufactures in Indian markets as well.
(iii) Produced by machines at lower costs, the imported cotton goods were so cheap that weavers could not easily compete with them.
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The reasons why the inflow of fine Indian cotton into Britain and othe...
The reasons why the inflow of fine Indian cotton into Britain and other countries declined in the 19th century were:
1. Industrialisation and expansion of cotton manufacture in Britain:
- The Industrial Revolution in Britain led to the development of textile factories and the mechanization of the production process.
- This resulted in a significant increase in the domestic production of cotton textiles, reducing the reliance on imported cotton from India.
- The British cotton industry became more efficient and cost-effective, making it difficult for Indian cotton to compete in the British market.
2. Imposition of tariff on cloth imported into Britain to protect local industries:
- To safeguard and promote the growth of their own industries, the British government imposed tariffs on imported goods, including cloth.
- The tariffs made imported cloth, including Indian cotton textiles, more expensive in the British market, discouraging their import and protecting local manufacturers.
3. British manufacturers began to seek overseas markets for their cloth:
- With the expansion of the British cotton industry, manufacturers looked for new markets to sell their cloth and increase their profits.
- They began exporting their textiles to other countries, including colonies and newly industrializing regions, thereby reducing the demand for Indian cotton in those markets.
- British manufacturers had an advantage in terms of production efficiency, quality control, and access to capital, which made it difficult for Indian cotton to compete internationally.
4. Indians faced stiff competition in international markets:
- As British manufacturers expanded their exports, Indian cotton textiles faced fierce competition in international markets.
- The British textiles were often cheaper and of better quality due to the technological advancements in the industry.
- This competition further reduced the demand for Indian cotton in other countries, leading to a decline in its inflow into Britain and other nations.
Conclusion:
The decline in the inflow of fine Indian cotton into Britain and other countries in the 19th century can be attributed to the industrialization and expansion of cotton manufacture in Britain, the imposition of tariffs on imported cloth to protect local industries, and the stiff competition faced by Indians in international markets. These factors collectively contributed to the shift in the textile trade dynamics and the decline of Indian cotton's dominance in the global market.
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