The Montagu-Chelmsford Report and the Government of India Act 1919 (9) Flashcards
What was published in July 1918?
Proposals decided upon by Secretary of State Montagu and Viceroy Chelmsford. It became law as the Government of India Act in December 1919.
What did the Government of India Act consist of?
An Executive Council was set up to advise the Viceroy, including the Viceroy, the Commander-in-Chief of the British Army in India and six other members, including 3 Indians.
The Imperial Legislative Council was renamed the Imperial Legislative Assembly and was enlarged to 146, with 106 elected members - this was to be the lower house of Parliament.
A Council of State was established with 61 members to review legislation passed by the Assembly.
The British members of the Council dealt with areas like defence, foreign relations and taxation while Indian members dealt with education, sanitation and agriculture.
In the Indian provinces, an Executive Council appointed by the Governor would be responsible to a Legislative Council elected by popular vote.
Provincial governments would now have Indian and British members.
What system did the Government of India Act establish?
A dyarchy, since it divided power in the provinces (albeit unequally) between the Indians and British.
What were the benefits of the Government of India Act?
It took the Morley-Minto reforms further by shifting more decision making from the centre to provinces and increasing involvement of Indians in governing their own country.
Montagu saw it as a welcome step towards Indian self government and Indians welcomed it too.
How did the House of Commons react to the Act?
On the Right, MPs were convinced the government was losing it’s nerve and would soon lose India, while on the Left there were protests that the reform hadn’t gone far enough.
How did the Indian Civil Service react to the Act?
They felt their strength and influence slipping away.
How did people react to the ‘reserved seats’ with specific electorates?
Many people, British and Indian, resented them and considered them divisive and anti-democratic. Montagu and Chelmsford disliked them too, but felt bound to respect the Lucknow Pact of 1916.
How did Indians hoping for Home Rule react to the Act?
They were bitterly disappointed and unrest and violence increased, especially in the Punjab.
How did Congress react to the Act?
They rejected them and boycotted the first elections held under the act.
What exacerbated the situation in India?
From 1917 food prices steadily rose
In 1918-19 poor harvest made inflation worse
Unrest broke out throughout India, particularly the Punjab and Bengal
Recession after the war ended, unemployment due to war materials no longer needed.
The British governments fear of Bolshevism spreading in post war India led to them responding by enforcing repression
What did the Government of India Act 1919 set up?
An Executive Council to advise the Viceroy, consisting of the Viceroy, Commander in Chief of the British Army in India and 6 other members, including 3 Indians.
How did the Government of India Act 1919 reform the Imperial Legislative Council?
Renamed the Imperial Legislative Assembly
Enlarged to 146 members, with 106 elected members - this was to be the lower house of Parliament.
What was established alongside the Imperial Legislative Assembly?
A Council of State with 61 members to review legislation passed by the Assembly.
What did the British members deal with in the Council of State?
Areas such as:
defence
foreign relations
taxation
What did the Indian members deal with in the Council of State?
Areas such as:
education
sanitation
agriculture
