The Making of British India Flashcards
How did Britain establish themselves in India?
In the 1700s India wasn’t unified. The British would offer help to a group perhaps in conflict with other groups in exchange for recognition. The British East India Company would hire mercenaries, even Indians.
How did the British justify their presence in India?
They say they are sharing the benefits of English Civilization: public works, civil service, education
In 1885, what did the Indian National Congress Want?
Reform, not independence.
What did the British do in 1905 that angered Indians?
They partitioned Bengal without any consultation, which had been unified for hundreds of years.
What did the British promise India in 1917 WWI?
They promised reforms, and 1 million Indians joined the armed forces. They promise was broken after the war.
What was the Amritsar Massacre?
13 April, 1919. Non-violent protesters gather during martial law, massacred by British troops. hundreds to thousand killed. It led to the Non-cooperation movement led by Gandhi.
What was Gandhi’s response to the Amritsar Massacre?
He suggested a boycott of British goods, and transportation. White home-spun cloth. He called for Indians to leave positions in the British controlled civil services.
What was the Salt March?
Started 12 March, 1930. Non-violent protest. Hundreds of thousands illegally harvest sea salt, which was taxed by the British and made up about 8% of their revenue. It gained international attention. about 80,000 imprisoned.
Why was Gandhi’s use of a combination of Nationalism and Hinduism a problem?
Not everyone in India is a Hindu, alienates them.
How many Indians volunteered in WWII? Where did they serve?
2.5 million, the biggest volunteer army in history. North Africa, India, Asia.
What did Gandhi and Nehru say about the War for Democracy, which is what the British said of WWII.
They called it hypocritical - give India independence!
Why did Gandhi want the British to “Quit India?”
Japan had won major gains in the spring of 1942. Singapore fell in Feb 1942, the Burma road supply line was lost with the fall of Burma in March. India had no fight with Japan, Japan had a fight with Britain. India will use passive resistance.
What was the Cripps’ Mission?
March 1942. Sir Stafford Cripps, a British Minister offers India dominion status to gain its full cooperation in the war. He negotiated with the INC and Mohammed Ali Jinnah (Leader of Muslim League). INC rejects. Churchill didn’t support the offer either. INC continues Quit India campaign, most leaders imprisoned and Muslim League makes gains by cooperating because they want a partition for Pakistan.
Who was Subhas Chandra Bose?
Used to be with the INC, but sought Indian independence via the Nazis and Japanese. Led the Indian National Army, an army made up of Indian PoWs captured by Japan. 2 divisions were sent to Burma. Many of them were executed after the Red Fort Trials in 45-6 for treason.
What was the Day of Direct Action or Great Calcutta Killings?
Jinnah and the Muslim League call for a day of action - strikes and meetings in Bengal which leads to riots and mass killings on Hindu and Muslim lines. They demanded Pakistan for Muslims. 6000 are killed over a few days. The British have to restore order.
