Failure of other European powers

Published on 01 Oct 2025

European powers	Reasons for their failure
Portuguese	Small country and limited resources The presence of powerful neighbours such as turbulent Marathas halted their spread. Portuguese policy of conversion caused antagonism among Arab Muslims and Hindus. Dishonest trade practices reduced their position Example: Exploitation of Cartaz system and exploitation. No desire to consolidate the position by getting into ruling
French	Neglect of home government Example: The support it used to receive from the crown witnessed a steady decline during the latter half of Louis XIV’s reign after his finance minister died. Mistakes of French officers: Example: The decisions taken by Dupleix during the second Carnatic war caused significant erosion of finances as commercial strongholds were not consolidated. Financial troubles Rising advantages of British
Dutch	Focussed much on the trade with the Malay archipelago Example: Spice Islands of Indonesia Not interested in empire-building Lost patronage of the crown so as not to get involved in the Seven Years' War going on in Europe. Example: The battle of Bedara (1759) supported by Nawab Mir Jafar was not supported by the crown, leading to defeat.

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