The Montagu Declaration (8)

Question 1

What did the British Raj issue in response to a growing movement for Home Rule in India?

Answer 1

The Montagu Declaration

Question 2

What was the Montagu Declaration?

Answer 2

In 1917, the Montagu Declaration committed Britain to allowing Indians to govern themselves in the context of the British Empire. There was no time-scale given but it ended by saying that Montagu would visit India to consider with the Viceroy the views of local governments and listen to the suggestions of representative bodies and others.

Question 3

Who were involved in the Montagu Declaration?

Answer 3

The Secretary of State at the India Office, Edwin Montagu, was clear that a straightforward statement of British policy toward India was needed. He worked closely with Viceroy Lord Chelmsford.

Question 4

What did Montagu do from November 1917 and May 1918?

Answer 4

He travelled through India, listening to opinions from various people and regarding British administration, he believed that very little had changed since the days of Curzon and that slow and complex bureaucracy was stifling radical ideas and reform.