A terrible fate now overtook them. … The victors departed, having looted the Company’s possessions. “Little though he guessed it,” says Lord Elton, “the dealings of Surajah Dowlah with the British had ensured they would become the next rulers of India. For the tragedy of the Black Hole had dispelled their last wishful illusion that it might still be possible for them to remain in India as traders and no more. There was an outrage to avenge, and at last they were more than ready to fight.”

Winston Churchill, A History of the English-Sp…, loc. 1518