Britain Flashcards
What was the Bengal Famine of 1943?
A famine in British India that killed around 3 million people, worsened by British policies during WWII.
What is the “denial policy”?
A British strategy during WWII aimed at preventing Japanese access to resources in Bengal, which worsened the famine.
What was Churchill’s attitude towards India during the famine?
Churchill held racist views and prioritized European needs over India’s suffering, making limited efforts to address the famine.
What role did logistics play in the famine?
Allied shipping was overstretched, and the threat of Japanese submarines disrupted food shipments, limiting aid to India.
How did Churchill attempt to help India during the famine?
He arranged for wheat shipments from Australia and Iraq, but logistical challenges and wartime priorities hindered greater aid.
Why is Churchill’s legacy controversial regarding the Bengal Famine?
His failure to act decisively, combined with his racist comments, has led to criticisms of his handling of the famine.