British Policies to Indians

Question 1

Gandhi and British

Answer 1

Non violence meant British could not react to Gandhi’s policies
Gandhi rejected British after Amritsar Massacre
British did allow at least free press for Indians and without would be impossible to discuss policies
Salt March show only way to defy law is retaliate equally absurd
Gandhi shamed British

Question 2

Possible rapprochement

Answer 2

Lord Reading 1921 replaced Chelmsford and proposed ‘full provincial autonomy’ and an extension of ‘Dyarchy’ for suspension of second satyagraha
Gandhi refused and so Reading ordered swift crackdown in which Congress leaders imprisoned

Question 3

The Simon Commission

Answer 3

Government of India Act 1919 due for renewal 1929- same as the General Election in Britain
Conservatives concerned Labor were changing policies for worst and so enacted Simon Commission
Birkenhead (Secretary of state for India) moved the review forward to before the election
Investigated how well the Government of India Act was working
Not supported by Indians and both INC and Muslim League refused to cooperate
Simon Commission caused discussions with the Untouchables more than achieved anything and gave opinion of INC from Untouchables

Question 4

Conservative change 1929-

Answer 4

Birkenhead and Conservatives believed in ‘Dominion Status’ not being used to describe ultimate goal of British Indian policy
Raj turned to traditional policy under Conservatives
Labor Party

Question 5

Irwin Declaration 1929

Answer 5

A vague offer of Dominion Status as similar to Montagu Declaration 1917. Added to Dominion Status to be natural development of Government of India Act 1919
Indian representatives also were asked to attend Round Table Conferences

Question 6

Gandhi Dilemma of RTC

Answer 6

Gandhi quoted saying that INC leaders to attend RTC would be ‘political suicide’
Gandhi believed chances of achieving its aims would be severely compromised
INC rejected British offer and Gandhi arrested
Nehru released from prison and then arrested again

Question 7

Gandhi-Irwin Pact 1931

Answer 7

Only way out of stalemate to form a truce
Meeting between Gandhi and Irwin= INC’s civil disobedience scheme suspended, Gandhi agreed to attend RTC, INC supporters released from jail