How did India help the United States of America achieve independence?

How did India, a subcontinent teeming with its own political dramas and economic riches, contribute to America's fight against British rule? On this 4th of July, as we celebrate the birth of American independence, let’s dive into this captivating tale of interconnected destinies and discover India's unexpected role in the American Revolution.

A brief summary of America's independence struggle

The American independence struggle began in the late 18th century as 13 British colonies grew increasingly frustrated with British rule — a struggle familiar to Indians at the time as well. What began as discontent over taxes and trade restrictions quickly snowballed into a full-blown quest for independence.

Eventually, the pushback birthed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, a document that emphasised the colonies' right to self-governance and highlighted ideals of liberty and democracy. The Revolutionary War followed the signing, with General George Washington leading the Continental Army against British forces.

Despite initial setbacks, lack of resources, and internal divisions, American forces managed to achieve many significant victories. The war concluded with the Treaty of Paris in 1783, where Britain recognised US sovereignty. This victory not only established a new nation but also inspired other revolutionary movements worldwide.

What was happening in India at the time?

While the American colonies were rallying against British oppression, India was experiencing its own upheaval. The Mughal Empire, which had ruled the subcontinent for centuries, was in decline. Internal political strife, coupled with the ambitions of European powers — particularly the British and the French — was eroding Mughal authority.

By 1776, India was a patchwork of princely states and European-controlled territories, with the British East India Company emerging as a dominant force. The Company's grip on India's rich resources, especially its coveted textiles, was tightening as Britain sought to fuel its own industrial revolution and global trade ambitions.

How did India get involved?

As per the Museum of the American Revolution, India's involvement in the American Revolution was not through direct participation, but through the strategic and economic manoeuvres of European powers on its soil. Indian commodities, especially high-quality textiles, were pivotal in the colonial trade network. American colonists, reliant on British imports, found themselves paying hefty taxes on goods, including those from India. This economic strain contributed to the rising discontent and eventual boycott of British goods in the colonies.

Moreover, the global conflict between Britain and France spilled over into India. With the French joining the American cause in 1778, British and French forces clashed in India, leveraging local allies like Hyder Ali, the Sultan of Mysore. Hyder Ali, with his French connections, launched attacks against the British in southern India, marking the Second Anglo-Mysore War. These skirmishes diverted British resources and attention, adding another layer of complexity to the American Revolutionary War.

How did India’s involvement impact America’s freedom struggle?

The British reliance on Indian textiles and other commodities meant that any disruption in this supply chain had far-reaching effects. The American colonists' boycott of British goods, many sourced from India, led to the non-importation movement in America, which would later trigger the American Revolutionary War.

The Anglo-French conflicts in India also played a strategic role. The British military, already stretched thin by the war in America, had to divert resources to protect its interests in India. This two-front conflict weakened British resolve and capabilities, indirectly aiding the American cause. All these factors helped strain Britain's economy while affording America that much more purchasing power with independence negotiations.

In essence, while Indian soldiers didn't march on American soil, and Indian leaders didn't sign the Declaration of Independence, the subcontinent's economic and strategic importance played a crucial, if often overlooked, role in the broader tapestry of the American Revolution.