Modern History (Indian Freedom struggle and World wars) by Ashutosh Nath Jha

Model Answer

Question #1. World War I served as a catalyst for India's freedom struggle by fostering a political awakening, inspiring leaders and creating circumstances that fueled discontent and demands for self-determination. Evaluate. 10 marks (150 words)

Hints

The outbreak of World War I 1914-19; a moment in history which had profound effects on India's freedom struggle, acting as a catalyst that accelerated and transformed the nationalist movement. The war created a complex environment that presented both challenges and opportunities for the Indian independence movement.

Opportunities and challenges

Ideals of Democracy and Self-Determination:The war was fought on principles of democracy and self-determination, inspiring Indian nationalists to seek similar principles for India.

Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms:The post-war period saw the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms in 1919, an attempt by the British to address Indian demands for self-governance. While falling short of complete self-rule, these reforms marked a step towards constitutional development.

Emergence of Mahatma Gandhi:Mahatma Gandhi returned to India in 1915 and adopted the technique of nonviolent civil disobedience. His leadership during and after the war provided a unifying force, transforming the nature of the independence movement.

Post-War Discontent:The economic hardships and disillusionment post-war fueled widespread discontent, providing fertile ground for mass movements. The demand for self-rule gained momentum, leading to the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922).

Political Awakening:The war exposed Indians to democratic ideals and principles of self-determination, which were central to the Allied powers' rhetoric during the conflict.This exposure triggered a heightened political consciousness among Indians, leading to a reevaluation of their status within the British Empire.

Inspiring Leaders:The war period saw the emergence of influential leaders who played pivotal roles in the freedom struggle. Mahatma Gandhi returned to India in 1915, and his philosophy of nonviolent civil disobedience gained prominence during and after the war.Other leaders, including Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose, were inspired by the global struggles for freedom and democracy.

Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms:The post-war period witnessed the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919, an attempt by the British to address Indian aspirations for self-governance. Though not fully satisfying nationalist demands, these reforms marked a shift towards a more inclusive political process.

Khilafat Movement:The Khilafat Movement, a post-war phenomenon, demonstrated a convergence of political forces. Muslims, led by leaders like the Ali brothers, aligned with the Indian National Congress to voice concerns related to the Ottoman Caliphate, creating a united front against British imperialism.

Discontent and Demands for Self-Determination:Economic hardships, inflation, and food shortages during and after the war fueled widespread discontent among the Indian population.The demand for self-determination gained momentum as Indians, exposed to global democratic principles, sought to assert their right to govern themselves.

JallianwalaBagh Massacre:The tragic JallianwalaBagh massacre in 1919, a consequence of post-war repression, became a turning point. The indiscriminate killing of civilians intensified anti-British sentiments, galvanizing the independence movement.

Non-Cooperation Movement:The Non-Cooperation Movement of 1920-1922, led by Gandhi, marked a watershed moment. Indians actively boycotted British institutions and products, showcasing a united front against colonial rule.

The war's global impact reverberated in India, propelling the nation towards a more assertive pursuit of independence.

Question #2. Examine the Interplay between India's National Freedom Movement and the World Wars. How did the geopolitical shifts during the second world wars influence the trajectory of the Indian independence struggle? 15 marks (250 words)

Hints

The interplay between India's National Freedom Movement and the World Wars marked a transformative phase in India's struggle for independence. The geopolitical shifts during the Second World War significantly influenced the trajectory of the Indian independence struggle, presenting both challenges and opportunities.

World War I and the Seeds of Dissent:

Political Awakening: The aftermath of World War I saw a heightened political consciousness in India, as the war exposed Indians to democratic ideals and the rhetoric of self-determination.

Rowlatt Act and JallianwalaBagh: The war's immediate aftermath witnessed repressive measures like the Rowlatt Act and the JallianwalaBagh massacre, intensifying anti-colonial sentiments.

World War II and its Impact on India:

Economic Strain and Unrest: The onset of World War II brought economic strain to India. The demands for resources and Indian participation in the war effort led to inflation, shortages, and discontent.

Cripps Mission: Under the pressure from its allies, Britain send cripps mission for the constitutional settlement with the hope of Indian participation in the war efforts and keeping the national movement at peace. However its failure due to its provisions been reflecting older demands of domino only, it was not successful.

Quit India Movement (1942): The war provided a backdrop for the Quit India Movement in 1942, as Indians, disillusioned by unfulfilled promises of constitutional reforms, demanded an end to British rule.

INA and Bose's Leadership: The war saw the emergence of the Indian National Army (INA) under Subhas Chandra Bose, who sought Axis powers' support to free India from British rule.

Global Dynamics: Geopolitical shifts during the war altered global power structures. The declining British Empire's weakened position and the rise of anti-colonial sentiments globally influenced India's struggle for freedom.

Post-War Scenarios and Independence:

Naval Mutiny of 1946: The post-war period witnessed the Royal Indian Navy mutiny of 1946, a significant revolt reflecting the anti-colonial sentiment among Indian military personnel.

Cabinet Mission Plan (1946): The war's conclusion paved the way for the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946, an attempt to address India's constitutional future, though it fell short of satisfying all parties.

Partition and Independence (1947): The immediate aftermath of World War II culminated in India's independence and the subsequent partition, shaping the region's geopolitical landscape.

Impact of Global Events: Geopolitical shifts during the wars exposed India to global events, influencing the narrative of anti-colonialism and self-determination.

Leadership Responses: Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru responded to global events by adapting their strategies. Gandhi's Quit India Movement reflected a desire for immediate independence during the global conflict.

Legacy of Movements: The movements during the wars left a lasting legacy, setting the stage for post-war negotiations and shaping India's future as an independent nation.

The intertwined relation between India's National Freedom Movement and the World Wars was intricate, with geopolitical shifts during the Second World War serving as a pivotal juncture in India's journey towards independence. The war, with its economic impact, political repercussions, and the emergence of new leadership, significantly influenced the trajectory of the Indian independence struggle.