Lesson 3: British imperialism in India

How did British rule transform political and economic systems in India?
Why did resistance movements emerge under colonial rule?
How do colonial policies reshape societies?

Colonial administration
Economic exploitation
Resistance movement

HIS.9-12.6 Analyze how power, authority, and governance influence historical outcomes.
HIS.9-12.7 Analyze how social, political, and economic structures shape human interactions.

Students analyze primary documents and construct evidence-based arguments.

Students examine British rule in India and evaluate how imperial policies transformed governance, economics, and social systems. Primary DOK level: 3.

Connections to modern discussions about colonial legacy and national identity.

Students may assume colonial rule was universally accepted or uncontested.

Source annotation guides.
Structured small-group discussion.

Written response explaining how imperial rule affected Indian society.

Primary accounts, maps, economic charts.