When Vasco Da Gama landed the first time in India in 1498 he marked the beginning of the Portuguese monopoly in shipping to and from Asia which persisted during the entire 16th century.1 During this century the other European nations showed an increased interest in orientating at this area, but the motives were quite complex. One considered reason is simply a nationalistic one, namely that the nations wanted to outdo the Portuguese.2 Others wished to land in India for religious reasons to spread the Christianity and surround the Islamic powers of that region.3 Other factors behind the wish to go to the eastern seas were plunder and piracy. Furthermore there was an enormous interest and thirst for knowledge and adventure in that unknown area which led to some voyages.4
Due to the first travels there was a growing demand in the English society for the Indian goods like ceramics, silk, spices and precious stones, especially in the elite class. Beside that, these products symbolized a way to quick riches for the business men and intermediaries who handled with that merchandise.5 Therefore, after 1600 a growing number of countries, represented by chartered companies, tried to take part in the commercial venture of Indian trade.6 One of these trading companies was the British East India Company (BEIC), which was founded and provided with a royal charter that guaranteed the exclusive rights on trades with the East Indies to the company in 1600.7 During its history the BEIC passed through a significant change from a mere trading company to a territorial power.[...]
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The BEIC as a mere trading company
- Changed conditions for the BEIC
- Determining years
- Post-war time
- Final years
- Summary
Objectives and Key Themes
The objective of this paper is to clarify the causes and circumstances of the British East India Company's (BEIC) transition from a trading company to a territorial power, and how this influenced its subsequent development.
- The BEIC's early years as a trading company and its initial activities.
- The changing conditions that led to the BEIC's transformation.
- Key events and figures that shaped the BEIC's transition.
- The impact of the BEIC's transformation on its later development.
- The BEIC's role in the broader context of European expansion in Asia.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter introduces the context of the British East India Company's (BEIC) emergence, highlighting the pre-existing Portuguese monopoly on Asian trade in the 16th century. It discusses the multifaceted motives behind other European nations' interest in the East, including nationalism, religious zeal, and the pursuit of wealth and adventure. The chapter underscores the growing demand for Indian goods in England and the establishment of the BEIC in 1600, granted a royal charter guaranteeing exclusive trading rights. It sets the stage for the paper's central question: the BEIC's transition from a trading company to a territorial power.
The BEIC as a mere trading company: This chapter details the BEIC's founding in 1600 by Queen Elizabeth I, its initial shareholders and capital, and its granted monopoly. It describes the company's early voyages, led by James Lancaster, and its encounters with Dutch and Portuguese resistance in Sumatra and Java. The chapter establishes the BEIC's initial operations as a trading entity before its significant transformation.
Keywords
British East India Company (BEIC), trading company, colonial power, transition, European expansion, India, Asia, 17th century, 18th century, colonialism, trade, monopoly.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of the British East India Company's Transition
What is the main topic of this document?
This document analyzes the British East India Company's (BEIC) transformation from a purely trading entity to a territorial power. It explores the causes, circumstances, and consequences of this significant shift in the company's role.
What are the key themes explored in this document?
The key themes include the BEIC's early years as a trading company, the changing conditions that facilitated its transformation, key events and figures that shaped this transition, the impact of this transformation on the BEIC's subsequent development, and the BEIC's role within the broader context of European expansion in Asia.
What is the document's objective?
The objective is to clarify the reasons and conditions behind the BEIC's transition from a trading company to a territorial power, and how this transition influenced its later growth and actions.
What is covered in the Introduction chapter?
The introduction provides historical context, mentioning the pre-existing Portuguese monopoly on Asian trade in the 16th century and the varied motivations (nationalism, religious zeal, wealth, adventure) behind other European nations' interest in the East. It highlights the growing demand for Indian goods in England and the BEIC's establishment in 1600 with its exclusive trading rights, setting the stage for examining the company's transformation.
What does the chapter "The BEIC as a mere trading company" discuss?
This chapter details the BEIC's founding in 1600, its initial shareholders and capital, and its granted monopoly. It describes early voyages, encounters with Dutch and Portuguese resistance, and establishes the company's initial operations as a trading entity before its substantial transformation.
What other chapters are included?
The document also includes chapters on "Changed conditions for the BEIC," "Determining years," "Post-war time," and "Final years," each focusing on specific periods and aspects of the BEIC's evolution.
What is included in the "Summary" chapter?
The summary chapter provides a synthesis of the key arguments and findings presented throughout the document.
What keywords are associated with this document?
Keywords include: British East India Company (BEIC), trading company, colonial power, transition, European expansion, India, Asia, 17th century, 18th century, colonialism, trade, and monopoly.
What type of audience is this document intended for?
The document is intended for academic use, facilitating the analysis of themes related to the British East India Company's historical development.
Where can I find the Table of Contents?
The Table of Contents is provided at the beginning of the document, outlining the structure and chapters included.
- Quote paper
- Sebastian Hammer (Author), 2010, 1748-1763: The British East India Company in transition - from a trading company to a colonial power, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/183535
