Geography Economic Elective- Colonialism

Examine the impact of colonialism on any developing economy you have studied

A developing economy I have studied that has been affected by colonialism is India. Colonialism is the domination of areas by powerful countries, primarily for economic gain. The changes in India's economic development is directly related to it's colonial past.

India was a British colony until it gained independence in 1947. Under the British Empire, unprocessed raw materials from India were used to fuel the economy of the colonial power. As a result, cash crops like tea, coffee, jute, spices and rubber took over from traditional food crops and caused major changes in native agricultural activities. The establishment of large plantations saw land removed from peasant ownership. These plantations were also established in the most fertile areas, which had a negative impact on food production for local people. India's industrial output was also limited so that it would not compete with  it's colonial power Britain. 

Prior to colonialism, India had well-developed craft manufacturing industries, especially textiles. It also had a good labour force and access to raw materials. However, under British rule, these industries were forced into decline to allow British products to access the large Indian market. Britain also wanted the unprocessed raw materials for its own economic gain. It processed these raw materials and India in turn bought back the more expensive finished product from Britain. The British Empire also failed to invest in India's infrastructure, They did, however, develop ports, such as Mumbai. Chennai and Kolkata. They also developed a long railway network. Both of these investments were for their own gain so that they could transport the raw materials easily and then export them back to Britain. Over time, India's trade became dependent on Britain. India produced raw materials and cash crops, while Britain became a key economic power in the production and sale of finished goods in the developed and developing world. Taxes were also placed on the Indian population, and these were paid to the British Empire. 

Under colonialism, India suffered greatly as the economy, raw materials and labour were exploited by Britain.