3.4 - Attitudes Towards Empire and Role of Individuals Flashcards
Who was Mohandas Gandhi?
A barrister trained in London who campaigned against racism and segregation in South Africa
What principle did Gandhi advocate for resisting British rule?
Satyagraha, which is based on peaceful protests and rejecting violence
What did Gandhi aim for in terms of religious unity?
A united India with tolerance and equal rights for Hindus and Muslims
What societal structure did Gandhi oppose?
The caste system, particularly discrimination against ‘untouchables’
What was Gandhi’s vision for India’s economy?
A predominantly agricultural and rural society rejecting urbanization and industrialization
What did Gandhi do in 1907?
Set out his commitment to ordinary people and condemned the hardships under British rule
What significant role did Gandhi take on in 1915?
He became President of the Indian National Congress
What was the outcome of Gandhi’s campaign against the Rowlatt Act in 1919?
He began his campaign for full Indian independence following the Amritsar massacre
What was the Non-Cooperation Movement?
A movement where taxes were withheld, British titles returned, and imported goods were boycotted
Fill in the blank: Gandhi’s anti-salt tax campaign culminated in a 24-day march to _______.
Dandi
What did Gandhi do during the Round Table Conference in 1931?
Claimed to speak for the whole of India, questioning the presence of other representatives
What was the Quit India Movement?
A movement organized by Gandhi during WWII that led to his arrest
Who led Congress when Indian independence was achieved in 1947?
Jawaharlal Nehru
What was Subhas Chandra Bose’s approach to independence?
He was prepared to use violence and formed the Indian National Army
What was Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s position regarding Indian independence?
He led the Muslim League to support partition over a united India
True or False: Gandhi was able to force the British to change their policies during the independence movement.
False
What global event significantly affected India’s path to independence?
World War Two
What was a key factor in the Labour government’s approach to Indian independence?
They were amenable to granting India independence
Fill in the blank: In the 1930s, the prospect of actual power became the overriding issue, leading to _______ among different factions.
self-interest
What was the primary job of colonial administrators during the period 1914-47?
To collect taxes and maintain stability and order in the face of growing nationalist movements.
What significant change occurred to the imperial administration in London in 1925?
The Colonial Office was split into two departments: the Dominions Office and the Colonial Office.
How were the Dominions governed after 1931?
The Dominions recruited their own civil service, but the British Crown continued to appoint the governor-general.
How did the appointment process for colonial administrators change in 1930?
Colonial services were unified; individuals applied centrally to the Colonial Office.
How did salaries vary for colonial administrators?
Salaries varied enormously; for example, the Governor of Nigeria in 1922 earned £8250, while a cadet in Kenya earned £200.
What qualities were expected of colonial administrators?
Singlemindedness and purpose, honesty, responsibility, and industriousness.
What is ‘trusteeship’ in the context of colonial administration?
The idea that colonial administration should protect native interests and foster economic growth towards self-rule.
Who argued in favor of trusteeship in 1927?
Colonial Secretary Leo Amery.
What was the ‘dual mandate’ proposed by Lord Passfield in 1931?
The belief that a colonial power had a double responsibility to its colonial peoples and to the outside world.
Why was it increasingly difficult to attract young British men to colonial service by 1945?
Due to the risks associated with colonial service and the rise of nationalism.
Who was Edwin Montagu?
Secretary of State for India from 1917-22, responsible for reforms leading to the Government of India Act 1919.
What reforms did Sir Ralf Furse implement?
Improved recruitment and training of administrators; established a standard system of recruitment.
What was Lord Chelmsford known for?
Viceroy of India from 1916-21, responsible for reforms leading to the Government of India Act 1919.
Who was Sir Donald Cameron?
Governor of Tanganyika and Nigeria, who promoted the trusteeship principle and economic advancement of colonies.
What did Baron Hailey contribute to colonial policy?
Key participant in the conferences leading to the 1935 Government of India Act; produced ‘an African survey’ in 1938.
Fill in the blank: The Governor-General in the Dominions ceased to be an imperial official after the _______.
Statute of Westminster in 1931.
True or False: The doctrine of trusteeship was only supported by imperialists.
False.
What did Lord Linlithgow believe regarding Indian enfranchisement?
That further enfranchisement would weaken radical nationalists and promote responsible Indian politicians.
What was the outcome of the Royal Commission under Sir Edward Hilton Young in 1929?
Ruled out self-government and federation in East Africa in favor of a policy of ‘trusteeship’.
Who was Sir Andrew Cohen?
An early advocate for decolonization who cultivated contacts with African nationalists.
What was the effect of the idea of ‘trusteeship’ on British perspectives of independence?
It helped cushion the shock of losing the empire, framing independence as a fulfillment of mission.
