For two and a half centuries the British East India Company played a prominent role in the American Revolution. It corrupted the government of the subcontinent, lent rapacity to mercantilism and caused millions to starve in Asia. From its beginning it traded in spices and teas; operated India's tax system. When an 18th century politican, Henry Walpole, learned that the company's actions has led to the starvation of the Indians, he sponsored a Bill (1783) to hold the company accountable. Parliament adopted the East India Act of 1784.
Portriat depicts the East Indiaman, a vessel which carried tea and spices to England and from there to the colonies.
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