Video summary
After the crash of the East India Trading Company, the British government took over the Company, expanded its territories and built an empire.
The Company was in the middle of a cash-flow crisis made worse by a global banking crisis.
The Government couldn鈥檛 allow the Company to fail, so they loaned it 拢1.4 million.
In return, the Company鈥檚 management was overhauled 鈥 they could no longer be trusted to run India鈥檚 affairs.
William Pitt established a dual system of control by the British Government and the East India Company in 1784.
The government now selected their own men for the top job in India 鈥 the Governor-General of Calcutta.
The stage was set for the creation of an empire and there was huge expansion under Wellesley as more and more Indian territories were annexed by the British or fell under their rule.
British India, and in turn, Britain, flourished.
Teacher Notes
Pupils could be asked to examine the role of Lord Richard Wellesley in transforming the East India Company鈥檚 position in India and laying the foundations for the British empire in India.
This short film provides an overview of the reasons he was sent to India. as well as an overview of his character and his actions in expanding the East India Company鈥檚 influence.
This short film will be relevant for teaching KS3 history in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and Third / Fourth level in Scotland.
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