Great Britain claimed colonies around the world that provided vast amounts of raw materials, such as cotton fiber. In addition, the colonies became new markets for British goods. (However, India's own textile industry was severely damaged by British competition.)
Ramírez, Susan E., Peter N. Stearns, Samuel S. Wineburg, and Steven A. Goldberg. Holt World History: Human Legacy. Austin, TX: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 2008. Print.