Reasons why the English succeed against other European powers

Published on 01 Oct 2025

• Political and Administration:

• Stable government: After the Glorious Revolution of 1688, Britain witnessed a period of stability in the political sphere, which led to strong decision-making during times of crisis.

• Example: The French Revolution of 1789 followed by the Napoleonic wars of the 19th century led to the erosion of power which further deteriorated the position of French EIC. 

• Skilled Leadership: The company had competent and visionary leadership, with capable administrators, and military officers who were often familiar with the complexities of Indian politics, culture, and economics.

• Example: Exemplary figures like Robert Clive and Warren Hastings played crucial roles in the company's success.

• Structure of the company: English EIC was a private company and was controlled by a Board of Directors who were elected annually. However, for other European powers, the company was primarily owned by the monarch and was run as a state department.

• Example: Around 60% of the French EIC was owned by the French monarch which led to poor decision-making and ultimately its defeat.

• Multiple Charters: The British Crown granted the company multiple charters, giving it exclusive rights and advantages in trade and territory acquisition. Moreover, the Farmans it received from the Mughals also improved its position.

• Example: Charter from Queen Victoria and Farruksiyar’s Farman of 1717 were critical advantages that helped the position of the East India Company.

• Economical

• Economic Development: The Industrial Revolution led to capital being available for investment. The relative delay in the spread of this to other European powers led to an added advantage for the British.

• Example: Technological developments such as the spinning jenny, steam engine etc led to a considerable increase in productivity in textiles, metallurgy and agriculture.

• Debt Market financing: English EIC used the debt markets to fund the wars which was not done by its counterpart. This led to lesser strain on the exchequer.

• Example: The Bank of England - the World's first central bank was established primarily to sell securities for financing the overseas war to establish British supremacy.

• Social

• Subdued religious interest: The English were less zealous about religious conversion and spreading Christianity, especially compared to Spain and Portugal.

• More use of Indians in Military: The company had an adaptable military force that was more suited to Indian conditions and warfare than those of other European powers due to the employing of a mix of British and Indian soldiers as well as mercenaries.

• Example: The sepoys were a more numerous and prominent feature of the British Army.

• Strategic

• Naval Supremacy: The company benefited greatly from naval superiority, especially in projecting power in the Indian Ocean, safeguarding trade routes, and defending its interests.

• Early arrival: In 1600, British EIC obtained its trading privileges much before other European powers, giving it enough time to consolidate its position in India.

• Example: The British arrived only second to the Portuguese in 1600 under the command of Captain Hawkins.

• Control of Key Ports: The British East India Company controlled key strategic ports in India,  These ports provided them with vital logistic and trade advantages.

• Example: Ports in Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras.

Tags:
History & Culture

Keywords:
Reasons why the English succeed against other European powers British Britain Robert Clive Warren Hastings EIC East India Company Farruksiyar’s Farman Charter from Queen Victoria Debt Market financing Naval Supremacy Captain Hawkins

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 1

Topics:
Modern Indian History