Section Three-Withdrawal from India

Question 1

Why did Britain want to withdraw from India?

Answer 1

• They feared that if they tried to keep India, there would be widespread violent resistance stretching resources
• Activities of INA and strength of pro-independence meant Indian Army might not be reliable
• India was no longer great market for British cotton exports it had once been, so cost of holding it would massively outstrip any economic benefits

Question 2

How did Britain withdraw from India?

Answer 2

• In 1947, Lord Mountbatten (viceroy) told to bring independence ASAP, no later than June 1948
• It was decided India would be partitioned in April/May 1947 and independence granted by 15th August 1947

Question 3

What was the reaction to India being partitioned?

Answer 3

-At least 1million people died in violence and millions of people fled to their majority country as violence between Muslims and Hindus escalated

Question 4

Why did Britain want to withdraw from Palestine?

Answer 4

• American opinion favoured Jewish settlement in Palestine however Britain wanted Arab support due to need for oil in the region
• Outbreaks of Jewish terrorism inside Palestine against British troops; British faced prospect of having to police a country at a time when resources stretched to their limit

Question 5

What were the three possible solutions for Britain with Palestine?

Answer 5

• Unitary state as favoured by Arabs so they could dominate
• Provincial autonomy in which Palestine divided into smaller provincial areas, each with measure of self-control
• Partition of Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states

Question 6

What did Britain end up doing with Palestine?

Answer 6

They referred the question to the UN who advised the partition of Palestine due to pressure from the USA; British decided by May 1948 they would withdraw from Palestine so as to not alienate the Arab world

Question 7

How did Britain withdraw from Burma?

Answer 7

Burma initially supported the Japanese against the British however in 1944 realised British victory more likely so switched sides. Lord Mountbatten recognised the strength of support for Aung San- In Sep 1945 he agreed Burma national army would be incorporated into new army for the country thereby recognising Aung San as legitimate. Mounting civil disobedience led to Clement Attle (British PM) confirming that the government would not commit sufficient troops for British authority

Question 8

When did Burma become independent?

Answer 8

1948