ICSE Class 8 Answered

Following are the important reasons for the ultimate success of the British in the Carnatic Wars:

Naval Supremacy: The British navy, in many ways, was more superior to the French navy.

Steady Supply of Arms and Resources: The British had a steady supply of arms and resources from their naval base in Bombay. On the other hand, for the French, the supplies came in from their base at Mauritius, which meant a considerable delay in receiving them.

Financial Stability: The French were restricted to only Mahe and Pondicherry. The British, on the other hand, were financially well placed with settlements at Calcutta, Bombay and Madras. The conquest of Bengal after 1757 had also added to their financial prowess.

Nature of the English East India Company: The English East India Company was a private concern and hence was free from the interference of its national government. The French East India Company, on the other hand, was controlled by the French Government. As a result, the French officials in India could not take important political decisions without government approval.

Better Generals: Though Dupleix wasambitious andefficient,he had proved to be no match to the wits of Robert Clive. The British generals like Clive and Eyre Coote were efficient military leaders, whereas there was no one of such capabilities on the French side after Dupleix was recalled.

Better Coordination: The British army and generals displayed much better coordination than their French counterparts. The French generals were seen as rude and haughty, and hence, they could not instill team spirit among their troops or coordinate efforts between the army and the navy.