How did economic imperialism contribute to India becoming a British colony?

• A. Economic imperialism led to the rise of powerful Indian merchants who resisted British rule.
• B. British control over trade and resources weakened local industries and governments, allowing Britain to establish colonial rule.
• C. The British provided free education and healthcare, which convinced India to become a colony.
• D. India voluntarily joined the British Empire to benefit from technological advancements.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of economic imperialism: it refers to a situation where a powerful country controls the economy of a weaker region, often by dominating trade, resources, and markets without direct political control initially.
2. Analyze how British economic imperialism affected India by focusing on Britain's control over trade routes, raw materials, and markets, which undermined local Indian industries and traditional economic structures.
3. Recognize that this economic dominance weakened the political power of local Indian rulers and governments, making it easier for Britain to impose direct colonial rule.
4. Evaluate why other options are incorrect by noting that economic imperialism did not lead to the rise of powerful Indian merchants resisting British rule, nor did India voluntarily join the British Empire or get convinced by free education and healthcare.
5. Conclude that the key mechanism was Britain's control over trade and resources, which destabilized India's economy and governance, paving the way for full British colonial control.