“Opening up of Suez Canal helped in establishing the British monopoly control over India’s foreign trade”.
Justify the given statement with valid arguments.
Ans.
-
Geopolitical Advantage: The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 provided Britain with a significant geopolitical advantage due to its control over the canal. This allowed British ships to bypass the long and hazardous voyage around the Cape of Good Hope, reducing travel time and costs.
-
Trade Routes: The Suez Canal facilitated easier access to British-controlled ports in India by shortening the trade routes between Britain and India. This made British goods more competitive in the Indian market and increased British control over India’s foreign trade.
-
Dominance in Shipping: British merchants and shipping companies dominated the traffic through the Suez Canal, controlling the majority of shipping lanes. This allowed Britain to dictate trade terms and exert influence over Indian trade routes and markets.
-
Strategic Control: By controlling the Suez Canal, Britain could regulate the flow of goods and exert control over the movement of ships, thereby consolidating its monopoly over India’s foreign trade and strengthening its economic and political dominance in the region.
