On the Reputation of Robert Clive
Disciplines
Other Political Science | Public Administration
Abstract (300 words maximum)
The multinational East India Company is infamous for its imperialistic governance over its holdings within India, specifically Bengal, and for holding a notable amount of political power within Britain itself. Many of these accomplishments can be attributed to Robert Clive, whether it be in reference to the Battle of Plassey in 1757 or his close connection to the New Tories during the 1760s. While under Clive’s leadership, the East India Company would bring huge amounts of wealth to Britain and in return be granted the support and approval of the British government to continue governing its holding in India. Despite this, Clive’s reputation was bitterly divided during the height of his career within the East India Company as attacks from his political rivals, the radical Whigs, brought accusations of financial corruption and blame for the later-named Bengal Famine of 1769 upon Robert Clive himself. In this report, an analysis of Robert Clive’s political connections, both allies, and enemies, as well as the actions taken by both parties, will be made to explain the question of why Robert Clive’s reputation was divided during the latter half of his career.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
RCHSS - History & Philosophy
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Amy Dunagin
On the Reputation of Robert Clive
The multinational East India Company is infamous for its imperialistic governance over its holdings within India, specifically Bengal, and for holding a notable amount of political power within Britain itself. Many of these accomplishments can be attributed to Robert Clive, whether it be in reference to the Battle of Plassey in 1757 or his close connection to the New Tories during the 1760s. While under Clive’s leadership, the East India Company would bring huge amounts of wealth to Britain and in return be granted the support and approval of the British government to continue governing its holding in India. Despite this, Clive’s reputation was bitterly divided during the height of his career within the East India Company as attacks from his political rivals, the radical Whigs, brought accusations of financial corruption and blame for the later-named Bengal Famine of 1769 upon Robert Clive himself. In this report, an analysis of Robert Clive’s political connections, both allies, and enemies, as well as the actions taken by both parties, will be made to explain the question of why Robert Clive’s reputation was divided during the latter half of his career.