Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
Britain: losing and gaining an empire, 1763–1914 - 4 Nearly losing an…
Full specification wording
Paper 3, Option 35.1: Britain: losing and gaining an empire, 1763–1914 - 4 Nearly losing an empire: the British in India, 1829–58: The Indian Rebellion: the reforms of Dalhousie; the annexation of Awadh; outbreak and events in Meerut, Cawnpore and Delhi; the siege and relief of Lucknow; reasons why the British retained control.
This topic covers the Indian Rebellion of 1857–58, focusing on causes and key events.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 3
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
This topic covers the Indian Rebellion of 1857–58, focusing on causes and key events. Dalhousie’s reforms, including the Doctrine of Lapse and modernisation, angered Indian rulers and sepoys. The annexation of Awadh in 1856, justified by misgovernment, particularly upset sepoys from Awadh and their families. The rebellion broke out in Meerut in May 1857, spread to Delhi where rebels proclaimed Bahadur Shah II as emperor, and involved atrocities at Cawnpore. The siege and relief of Lucknow saw British forces besieged and later relieved by Colin Campbell. The British retained control due to military reinforcements, loyal Indian princes, and divisions among rebels.
What earns the marks
- Explain Dalhousie’s reforms: Doctrine of Lapse, annexations, and modernisation that alienated Indian rulers and sepoys.
- Describe the annexation of Awadh in 1856 and its impact on sepoys and local population.
- Outline the outbreak at Meerut: the mutiny of sepoys, march to Delhi, and proclamation of Bahadur Shah II.
- Detail events at Cawnpore: siege, massacre of British civilians, and its propaganda impact.
- Analyse the siege and relief of Lucknow: initial siege, defence by Henry Lawrence, and relief by Colin Campbell.
- Evaluate reasons why the British retained control: military superiority, loyal princes, lack of unified rebel leadership, and use of telegraph.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Confusing the order of events at Cawnpore and Lucknow.
Put it right: Cawnpore involved a siege and massacre before the siege of Lucknow.
Attributing the rebellion solely to the greased cartridge issue.
Put it right: The cartridge was a trigger, but deeper causes included Dalhousie’s reforms and annexation of Awadh.
Assuming all Indians rebelled.
Put it right: Many Indian princes and soldiers remained loyal, which was crucial to British survival.
Exam tips
- Use precise dates and locations: Meerut (May 1857), Delhi (proclamation), Cawnpore (massacre), Lucknow (siege and relief).
- Link causes to events: show how Dalhousie’s reforms and Awadh annexation led to discontent.
- For 'reasons why the British retained control', consider military, political, and technological factors.
Try the lesson
The start of the Paper 3, Option 35.1: Britain: losing and gaining an empire, 1763–1914 - 4 Nearly losing an empire: the British in India, 1829–58: The Indian Rebellion: the reforms of Dalhousie; the annexation of Awadh; outbreak and events in Meerut, Cawnpore and Delhi; the siege and relief of Lucknow; reasons why the British retained control. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which event marked the beginning of the Indian Rebellion in 1857?
Listen
This topic covers the Indian Rebellion of 1857–58, focusing on causes and key events. Dalhousie’s reforms, including the Doctrine of Lapse and modernisation, angered Indian rulers and sepoys. The annexation of Awadh in 1856, justified by misgovernment, particularly upset sepoys from Awadh and their families. The rebellion broke out in Meerut in May 1857, spread to Delhi where rebels proclaimed Bahadur Shah II as emperor, and involved atrocities at Cawnpore. The siege and relief of Lucknow saw British forces besieged and later relieved by Colin Campbell. The British retained control due to military reinforcements, loyal Indian princes, and divisions among rebels. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explain Dalhousie’s reforms: Doctrine of Lapse, annexations, and modernisation that alienated Indian rulers and sepoys. Describe the annexation of Awadh in 1856 and its impact on sepoys and local population. Outline the outbreak at Meerut: the mutiny of sepoys, march to Delhi, and proclamation of Bahadur Shah II. Detail events at Cawnpore: siege, massacre of British civilians, and its propaganda impact. A common slip: Confusing the order of events at Cawnpore and Lucknow. Instead, Cawnpore involved a siege and massacre before the siege of Lucknow. Exam tip: Use precise dates and locations: Meerut (May 1857), Delhi (proclamation), Cawnpore (massacre), Lucknow (siege and relief).
Key words
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Causes of the Indian Rebellion
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Key events and turning points
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British military and political responses
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Reasons for British survival
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See every definition
- Causes of the Indian Rebellion
- Dalhousie's reforms, including the Doctrine of Lapse and modernisation, angered Indian rulers and sepoys, and the annexation of Awadh in 1856 particularly upset sepoys from Awadh and their families.
- Key events and turning points
- The rebellion broke out in Meerut in May 1857, spread to Delhi where rebels proclaimed Bahadur Shah II as emperor, involved atrocities at Cawnpore, and saw the siege and relief of Lucknow.
- British military and political responses
- British forces were besieged at Lucknow and later relieved by Colin Campbell, and the British retained control due to military reinforcements, loyal Indian princes and divisions among rebels.
- Reasons for British survival
- Control was retained due to military reinforcements, loyal Indian princes, and divisions among rebels.
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Test your understanding of Paper 3, Option 35.1: Britain: losing and gaining an empire, 1763–1914 - 4 Nearly losing an empire: the British in India, 1829–58: The Indian Rebellion: the reforms of Dalhousie; the annexation of Awadh; outbreak and events in Meerut, Cawnpore and Delhi; the siege and relief of Lucknow; reasons why the British retained control.
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