Giving a brief overview of the three Carnatic Wars, discuss the factors that led to the success of the British against the French in the struggle for control over India. (250 words) 15

Three Carnatic Wars:

1st (1740-48) - Cause: Austrian war of Succession; Ended with Treaty of Aix La Chapelle; French captured Madras but was returned

2nd (1749-54) - Cause: Dupleix interfered in Succession of Arcot; End: Treaty of Pondichery; French were defeated

3rd (1758-63) - Cause: American 7yr war; End: Battle of Wandiwash & Treaty of Paris; Complete ousting of French

Causes for British Success:

1. Superior economy — focus of company was always on profit rather than territorial ambition. Revenue from Bengal. Innovative use of debt financing. EIC was a private enterprise

2. Superior leadership such as Clive, Munro etc → the difference was mainly among second rank of leadership

3. British had three established bases - Madras, Bombay & Bengal while French had only one → Pondicherry.

4. Superior military and navy.

5. Dupleix, able French governor was recalled

6. Drain of French resources due to defeat in US war. eg: loss of French Louisiana, central American colonies such as Haiti etc

— Hrishikesh Alare · AIR 61