In the context of British Indias expansionist policy, arrange the foll...
From 1878 onwards, the Government of India undertook a number of large-scale military expeditions outside India’s frontiers and its armed forces were used in some of the wars waged by the British Government in Asia and Africa.
- Throughout the 19th century, the British Government was convinced that the extension of Russian influence over Central Asia constituted a real threat to its Indian domains. This had led Britain to first invade Afghanistan in 1839 with disastrous consequences. In 1876, the specter of Russian interference appeared once more when the Emir of Afghanistan, Sher Ali, was visited by a Russian diplomatic mission. When he then refused to accept a British envoy, the Viceroy of India, Lord Lytton, decided to act.
- Viceroy Lytton decided to launch the Second Anglo-Afghan War on November 21, 1878, with a British invasion. Sher Ali fled his capital and country, dying in exile early in 1879. The British army occupied Kabul, as it had in the first war, and a treaty signed at Gandamak on May 26, 1879, recognized Sher Ali's son, Yaʿqūb Khan, as emir. He subsequently agreed to receive a permanent British embassy at Kabul. In addition, he agreed to conduct his foreign relations with other states in accordance “with the wishes and advice” of the British government.
- King Thibaw Min of Burma attempted to strengthen himself with the help of foreign powers. In January 1855, Burma signed a trade treaty with France. British had the monopoly over the trade in Burma and, in no case, were they prepared to share it with the French.
- The English traders, therefore, put pressure on the English government to annex Burma to the British Empire. The English government could not reject the demand of its trading community as it had sufficient control over the politics of the country. Thus by the end of 1885, the British attacked and annexed Burma.
- In 1903 Curzon decided to send a military expedition into Tibet led by Col. Francis Younghusband. A brigade of Gurkhas and Tommies went over the Nathu La into the Chumbi valley and advanced unhindered till Xigatse.
- A Tibetan military force met them there but offered what can only be described as passive resistance at a place called Guru near Gyantse. Not a shot was fired back as the British Indian troops rained bullets on them killing thousands. From Xigatse, Younghusband made a leisurely march into Lhasa.
- The British got the Tibetans to agree to end their isolation and having extracted trade concessions withdrew in 1904, the way they came. In 1907 Britain and Russia formally agreed that it was in their interests to leave Tibet “in that state of isolation from which, till recently, she has shown no intention to depart.”
- Hence option (c) is the correct answer.
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In the context of British Indias expansionist policy, arrange the foll...
Chronological order of events in British India's expansionist policy:
To answer this question, we need to arrange the following events in chronological order starting from the earliest:
1. Second Anglo-Afghan war
2. Annexation of Burma
3. Younghusband expedition to Tibet
The correct chronological order is given by option 'C', which is 1-2-3. Let's explain why this is the correct order:
1. Second Anglo-Afghan war:
The Second Anglo-Afghan war took place from 1878 to 1880. It was fought between the British East India Company and the Emirate of Afghanistan. The war was primarily a result of the British desire to counter Russian influence in the region and establish a friendly government in Afghanistan. The British forces managed to capture Kabul and install a puppet ruler, but the war ended with a peace treaty that recognized Afghanistan as an independent nation.
2. Annexation of Burma:
The annexation of Burma by British India occurred in 1885. The British had been expanding their influence in Burma for several decades, but tensions escalated in the late 19th century. The British accused the Burmese king of mistreating British subjects and interfering with trade. As a result, the British launched a military campaign and quickly defeated the Burmese forces. Burma was then annexed as a province of British India.
3. Younghusband expedition to Tibet:
The Younghusband expedition to Tibet took place in 1903-1904. The expedition was led by Colonel Francis Younghusband, who was tasked with establishing British control over Tibet. The British were interested in Tibet due to its strategic location and perceived threat from Russian influence. The expedition faced resistance from Tibetan forces but eventually reached Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. The Tibetans were forced to sign the Treaty of Lhasa, which granted Britain extensive political and commercial influence in Tibet.
Therefore, the correct chronological order of events in British India's expansionist policy is 1-2-3, which corresponds to the option 'C'.