India independence and Churchill's view

Question 1

When did Indian nationalism grow in popularity and why?

Answer 1

1920’s after WW1 when countries wanted self governance not clolonisation.

Question 2

What happened in 1928 with Baldwin relating to India?

Answer 2

Simon commission (a group of 7 MP’s) wrote a report under the guidance of Baldwin calling for greater Indian independence

Question 3

What happened in 1931/1932 under Mcdonald’s government relating to India?

Answer 3

Hosted round table conferences with Gandhi invited to develop the conversation further about independence. This faced fierce opposition from Churchill and he was placed in the political wilderness.

Question 4

What happened in 1935 relating to India?

Answer 4

Government of India act set up for an Indian Federation which meant more self control but British authority.

Question 5

What happened in 1939 relating to the war and India?

Answer 5

GB government declared war on India’s behalf and India demanded a new constitution to re balance the power

Question 6

What happened in 1943 relating to India, Churchill and the war?

Answer 6

The Bengal famine. 3 million deaths as a result when Japan invaded Burma and cut off the food supply to Bengal. Churchill is widely blamed for a lack of responce to the crisis.

Question 7

What happened in 1947 under Atlee?

Answer 7

India is finally granted Independence.

Question 8

Why was Churchill’s view on India so unpopular?

Answer 8

• Seen as self serving (political advantage)
• Racist overtones of exploiting a poorer nation
• Wartime USA wanted colonies gone due to anti imperialist mindset

Question 9

What were the consequences of his views?

Answer 9

He was struck out into the political wilderness of the back benches and disliked by many MP’s on both sides of the house.
- Even his former supporter Leo Amery MP distanced himself from Churchill’s controversial views