The East India Company

What was the East India Company?

The East India Company (EIC) was a joint stock trading company, which grew into the first global corporation in history. Until 1858 it had political and military control over India.

By what names was the East India Company known?

The East India Company was also known as: the EIC, John Company, and The Company.

When did the East India Company operate?

The East India Company was founded in 1600, and it was finally disbanded in 1858.

What was the significance of the East India Company?

These were some of ways in which the East India Company was significant.

• ❖ The company was England's first joint stock company, where people bought shares and received dividends from the company's profits.
• ❖ The company became the first truly global enterprise, with business interests in India, Asia, and the Americas.
• ❖ The company became a political power, with control over much of India, until it was disbanded in 1858.
• ❖ The company was responsible for a tremendous amount of Britain's wealth in the 18th and 19th centuries.