Indian Nationalism Flashcards
Where were the main anti-British bursts in India during WW1?
Bengal and Punjab, however most mainstream political leaders were loyal to britain, sending money and men
When did Indian nationalism really set off?
In response to the 1919 government of India act as Indian demands for independence weren’t met and they felt like they hadn’t been rewarded for their war efforts
What did the British do that clearly showed they feared Indian nationalism?
1919 Rowlatt Acts allowed political cases to be tried without juries and arrests to be made without reason
- caused extreme tension, especially in Punjabi region
When did Indian nationalist tensions come to a peak?
1919 Amritsar Massacre in the Punjab
What happened in the Amritsar massacre?
British Army troops commanded by Brigadier Dyer fired into a mixed crowd:
. Indians who were protesting against arrests of two nationalist leaders
. Sikh Pilgrims who had gathered in public gardens of Jallianwallah Bagh beside a sacred site, the Golden temple, to celebrate Sikh new year
Clearly the British weren’t aware of the religious importance of these sacred places, showing their lack of understanding
What was the response to the Amritsar massacre?
. Indian Congress politicians believed Britain’s brutal dealing of the protest showed that Britain had to no moral authority to rule
. Galvanised Gandhi’s non-co-operation movement of 1920-22
What were the casualties and punishments for Dyer in Amritsar massacre?
British government claim: 379 killed
INC: deaths high as 1000
Britain trying to look less brutal and inconsiderate than they are
. Dyer censured and resigned
Where was another event of conflict apart from Amritsar massacre?
Chauri Chaura incident of 1922
What happened during the Chauri Chaura incident?
Violence came among many protestors participating in Non-Co-operation movement and police open fired
- demonstrators attacked and set fire to a police station, 23 policemen killed
How significant was the Chauri Chaura incident?
Led Indian National Congress to call for an end to Non-co-operation movement on national level (became a smaller thing)
Who was responsible for Indian nationalism not being as bloody as it could have been?
Gandhi (non-violent)
Which group and individual became more militant in 1930s?
Muslim league (founded in 1906) and Chandra Bose
Why did Gandhi’s 1942 Quit India campaign fail?
This form of non-violent campaigning was quite easily contained by the British
What was Gandhi’s main influential role?
Turning INC’S campaign for Indian self government into a mass movement across the diverse society of India
What principles did Gandhi follow?
Satyagraha - peaceful resistance against British rule in accordance with his strong Hindu religion
How did Gandhi try to bring India together?
Preached harmonious relations between Hindus and Muslims, arguing that an independent India should have equal rights for both religions.
- he rejected dividing Hindus up in the caste system, particularly angry at the discrimination against the ‘untouchables’
What was Gandhi’s vision for an independent India?
. Built on spiritual and social traditions
. Wanted a ‘village india’, predominantly agricultural and rural, rejecting industrialisation and urbanisation that is reminiscent of Western development
Who were the main individuals dictating Indian nationalism?
Gandhi, Nehru, Chandra Bose and Jinnah
How did Nehru have different views for the future of India to Gandhi?
. Promoted secularism
. Sought modernisation and industrialisation as a socialist: believed the government of the newly independent India should carry out state economic planning
- Gandhi on the other hand wanted a ‘village-India’
How was Nehru not completely against Britain?
He was educated in Britain and became a lawyer (built loyalty)
. Supported Britain during WW2, differing from Gandhi’s standpoint etc.
. Reluctant to participate in the ‘Quit India Campaign’ but did in the end
From what point did Nehru begin to play a large role in Indian nationalism?
Became strongly allied with Gandhi when he joined INC in 1919, seven years after moving back to India
What were Nehru’s key roles in India since he joined the INC?
. 1928: became INC president, arrested during anti-salt tax campaign
. 1936: became INC president again
. 1945: arrested for reluctant involvement in Quit India Campaign
. 1946: INC president again
. 1947: Became independent India’s first prime minister
. 1964: died in office
Who was the most anti-British Indian nationalist?
Chandra Bose (1897-1945)
What religion overwhelmingly supported the INC party?
Hinduism
How was Chandra Bose a rival to many Indian nationalists at the time, causing disorder in opinion on British rule?
. Critical of Gandhi’s non-militant strategies and tactics
. Was a rival against Nehru to the leadership of the Congress party
What was Chandra Bose’s belief on the future of India?
Wanted INC to adopt a more militant approach against the British
