Chapter 22 (pp. 1087-1119)

Chapter 22 (pp. 1087-1119)

This chapter focused on the end of Empires but I decided to focus primarily on the independence of India. Although India shared some of the same ideals as other countries that obtained their independence during the same time, there were profound differences between the Indian independence movement and other other nations. For example, unlike Egypt and some other Middle Eastern countries, Indians have managed to preserve civilian rule throughout the almost 50 years that they have been free. For the most part, the Indian military has consistently supported a secular democracy over religious extremism; the country as a whole is also a secular nation. India Immediately After Independence: Although India has a staggering problem with overpopulation, the country has a large science and industrial sector, good communication and a strong bureaucratic grid and a fairly skilled middle class that has been present since before independence was obtained. During the years directly following independence, India was governed by leaders who were deeply committed to social reform, economic development, and the preservation of civil rights and democracy. As a direct result of the growing capitalist sector in India , ambitious farmers, especially those in the northwest, introduced improved seed strains, fertilizers, and irrigation as a means of producing higher crop yield. This industrial and agrarian growth has helped generate the revenue that is necessary for the Indian government to promote ideas such as village literacy, village electrification, and other rural improvement projects. Apart from all of these advances, Indians have also developed one of the largest and most sophisticated high-tech sectors in the world. However, about 50% of Indians have gained nothing from these reforms. In some ways, population growth seems to offset economic gains in the country. Social reform has also been stunted in some areas more than others. The rich landlords who initially had the nationalistic drive still dominate government and economy.