The British took control of India in 1763, after defeating the French in the Seven Years War (1756-1763). The British controlled India through the British East India Company, which ruled with an iron hand. In 1857, an Indian revolt, led by native soldiers called sepoys, led to an uprising known as the Sepoy Mutiny. After suppressing the rebellion, the British government made India part of the empire in 1858.

The British introduced social reforms, advocated education, and promoted technology. Britain profited greatly from India, called the "Brightest Jewel of the British Empire." The Indian masses, however, continued to live close to starvation an the British had little respect for the native Indian culture.

The Dutch held the Dutch East Indies and extended their control over Indonesia, while the French took over Indo China (Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam). The Russians also got involved and extended their control over the area of Persia (Iran).