First World War (7) Flashcards
How many Indians enlisted as combatants by November 1918?
Around 827,000
Why did Turkey’s entry in the war spark religious problems?
In the eyes of Muslims, they were now at war with a Muslim power. Most agreed that it was still a lawful war, but there were desertions from Muslim units and at least three mutinies of Muslim troops, usually when they thought they were going to be sent to fight against Turks.
Why did Indians support the war?
Many out of loyalty and a belief that the cause was just
Sikhs and some castes believed that fighting and dying on the battlefield was their true aim in life
Some wanted to prove that Indians deserved equal respect to Europeans
Politicians believed it would increase support for home rule and Britain would be forced to make concessions in return for support. The Allies frequently referred to the war as one being fought to defend the rights of nations, democracy and self-determination when rallying support.
At the end of December 1919, how many Indians had been recruited into combatant/non-combatant roles and how much was spent?
1.5 million and £150 million
Who didn’t benefit economically from the war?
Normal Indian people, as military expenditure was raised by increased taxation and they also suffered fuel shortages and rising prices. During the war, food grain prices rose by 93%, Indian-made goods by 60% and imports by 190%. Such rises were brought about by the disruption war brought to normal trading patterns, exchange rate problems and military demands.The government tried to control prices but was too frustrated by speculators and profiteers. The situation was exacerbated by the failure of monsoons to arrive in 1918-19 and consequent grain shortages and famine.
Who benefited economically from the war?
Indian manufacturing industries - cotton, iron, steel, sugar, engineering and chemicals, expanded in order to replace goods normally imported. Shareholders saw their dividends rocket, in Bombay dividends from cloth mills jumped from 6% in 1914 to over 30% in 1917.
Why were district officers concerned about Raj support during the war?
Many Indians were distressed as prices spiralled out of control
In some areas local government officials went on strike
Serious concerns by some provincial governments that local support for the Raj was crumbling.
By 1918, the Viceroy’s office in Delhi was receiving regular reports from provincial legislatures of food riots, petty violence and looting.
What effects did the war have on Congress?
Many members saw war as an opportunity to develop the idea of home rule and Congress leaders assumed that support for Britain would result in significant concessions after victory.
What happened in 1916 regarding Hindu and Muslim relations?
The Lucknow Pact was established, it was an agreement between Congress and the Muslim League agreeing that Muslims would have a fixed proportion of seats in an Indian Parliament and extra seats in areas where they were in a minority.
What led to the Lucknow Pact?
The annulment of the partition of Bengal had alarmed the Muslim League, scared that it meant the British wouldn’t regard them as a separate community worthy of separate electoral treatment, they tried to find some sort of accommodation with the Hindus.
How did Muslims feel about the Lucknow Pact?
They felt that they had been given assurances by the Hindus that were similar to those obtained earlier from the British government and felt themselves able to work with the Hindu-dominated Congress
What was one of the first resolutions passed in 1916 after Bal Tilak re-entered Congress?
Urge the British to issue a proclamation stating their aim and intention was to confer self-government on India as soon as possible
What other organisations were set up in 1916?
Home Rule Leagues
What did the Home Rule Leagues aim to achieve?
Stimulate public opinion and organise public pressure for Home Rule for India.
Who set up the two Home Rule Leagues?
One was started by Bal Tilak and operated mainly in Western India.
The other was founded by Annie Besant and spread throughout the rest of the country.
