202410160944 Status: #idea Tags: #british_empire #history # Communication technology was essential for the success of the British Empire As the 19th century wore on, Britain began to rely increasingly on India, both economically and militarily. Fully 60% of its standing army was stationed in India, and India produced a huge number of commodities (and supplied a large amount of money in tax revenues) to the Empire. Thus, it was crucial for Britain to have tight lines of communication with India. To that end, three key innovations helped the British effectively leverage India: 1. The telegraph - this cut communication with India down from months (by ship) to a single day 2. The steamship - this reliably cut transportation time down by 50% or more to Britain’s various colonies 3. The railroad - this allowed the British to integrate the formerly separate Indian states into a cohesive political and economic entity --- # References [[Empire_ the rise and demise of the British world order and the lessons for global power]]