Churchill's Wilderness Years: Indian Independence

Question 1

What was Churchill’s View on India?

Answer 1

Old-fashioned.
- ‘Jewel of the crown’ in trade, had to be protected.
- saw British rule preventing domination of Hinduism and Islam - ‘barbaric practices.’
- Saw Anglo-Saxon’s as racially superior.
- British rule meant good economic and social progress.

Question 2

How did Churchill’s view of India contribute to his ‘Wilderness years’?

Answer 2

Created a serious rift between Churchill and Baldwin. Disagreed with Lord Irwin’s proposal for Round Table Talks and allowing India the same self-governance as ‘white Dominions’; Australia, Canada, etc.

Question 3

What was Ghandi’s Salt March in 1930?

Answer 3

A bold act of non-violent civil disobedience to protest an end of British rule and taxation in India.

Question 4

State one act of Ghandi’s Civil Disobedience

Answer 4

Avoiding the Salt Tax by producing natural salt. Proves India can be independent.

Question 5

3 Reason’s Churchill wanted rule over India

Answer 5

• British rule prevented the domination of Hinduism
• Ensured ‘good’ government.
• Prevented eastern practices and helped to ‘protect the weak.’

Question 6

What was the British View of India?

Answer 6

• Should be open to discussion.
• King George V met with Ghandi
• Lord Irwin believed India is capable of self-governing.
• Government of India Act, 1935, significant changes to the colonial rule of India.

Question 7

What was Churchill’s response to the British View of India?

Answer 7

• Outdated, racist views (unpopular by consensus)
• Churchill’s statements became more extreme - refused to meet Ghandi, calling him a ‘Malignant and subversive fanatic.’
• Said he ‘Wished India well’ following the Government of India Act.

Question 8

What was the name of the party supporting Indian Independence?

Answer 8

Indian National Congress

Question 9

What is the name of the group against Indian Independence, which Churchill was a member of?

Answer 9

Anti-Indian Independence Society

Question 10

3 Factors that contributed to the end of British rule in India

Answer 10

• The backlash from the Amritsar Massacre, 370 killed, 1200 wounded.
• Successful civil disobedience such as the avoidance of the Salt Tax.
• The Round Table Talks in 1930 and 1931.