Systems of government and authority can have a profound influence on the development of human societies. For example, the great influence of the British Empire in the development of Indian and American human societies. All types of government – ​​from local politics to federal bureaucracies to large empires – maintain their authority through specific techniques, including the promotion of a shared identity (nationalism), the development of economic interdependence, and sometimes the overt use of strength. Challenges to that authority through violent and nonviolent revolution can have significant consequences, including the collapse and replacement of entire systems of government. Both the American Revolution and the Indian independence movement gained freedom by challenging the British Empire with the use of alternative tactics and policies. The rise of imperialism in India began when the East India Company gained control of India after the decline of the Mughal Empire. The East India Company was a joint-stock company founded when Britain showed economic interest in India's natural resources. Initially, the East India Company set up trading posts in Surat, Madras, Bombay and Calcutta mainly to increase trade. The East India Company traded in cotton, silk, tea and opium. These East India Company trading posts were supported by British troops and private armies, also known as sepoys (Indian soldiers). The East India Company served as a military authority in some parts of India with increased administrative and political powers. The East India Company ruled India until 1858. Under British rule, native customs were banned, schools and railways were built, and missionaries spread Christianity. Many Indians......middle of paper......(2014, 04). Retrieved October 4, 2014, from www.wikipedia.org: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guerrilla_warfareWikipedia - History of Guerrilla Warfare. (2014, 04). Retrieved 4 2014 from www.wikipedia.org: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_guerrilla_warfareWikipedia - Indian Independence Movement. (2014, 04). Retrieved 4 2014 from www.wikipedia.org: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_independence_movementWikipedia - Indian Rebellion of 1857. (2014, 04). Retrieved October 4, 2014, from www.wikipedia.org: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Indian_MutinyWikipedia - Mahatma Gandhi. (2014, 04). Retrieved 4 2014 from www.wikipedia.org: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohandas_Karamchand_GandhiWikipedia - Presidencies and Provinces of British India. (2014, 04). Retrieved April 4, 2014, from www.wikipedia.org: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presidencies_and_provinces_of_British_India