Britain's overseas trade and the East India Company
Study note
The 18th century was a time when Britain greatly expanded its overseas colonies and trade. Explorers and traders pushed into new parts of the world. Captain James Cook mapped the coast of Australia, and Britain also gained control of Canada during this century, strengthening its position abroad.
Trade in India was dominated by the East India Company. Although it was first set up simply to carry on trade, over time it came to control large parts of India on Britain's behalf. Britain imported valuable goods such as sugar, tobacco, tea and spices from around its growing empire. This race for trade and territory frequently brought Britain into conflict with its great rival, France. Remember Cook for Australia and the East India Company for India.
Memory tip: Cook maps Australia; Britain gains Canada; the East India Company controls much of India.
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Question 1 of 3
Which company came to control large parts of India for Britain?
Show all questions and answers for Britain's overseas trade and the East India Company(3 questions with explanations)
Britain's overseas trade and the East India Company: questions, answers and explanations
1. Which company came to control large parts of India for Britain?
- The South Sea Company
- The East India Company
- The Bank of England
- The Royal Society
Correct answer: The East India Company
The East India Company, set up to trade, came to control large parts of India.
2. Which explorer mapped the coast of Australia in the 18th century?
- Sir Francis Drake
- Captain James Cook
- Christopher Columbus
- Admiral Nelson
Correct answer: Captain James Cook
Captain James Cook mapped the coast of Australia.
3. Britain's growing overseas trade often brought it into conflict with which country?
- France
- Spain only
- Sweden
- Russia
Correct answer: France
Trade rivalry frequently brought Britain into conflict with France.
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