To What Extent Did The Government Of India Act Impact On Indian And British Politics? Flashcards
When was the Second Government of India Act?
1935
What were the main features of the Government of India Act (1935): (6)
- India was divided into 11 provinces, each of which had a legislative and a provincial government, which would control everything, except defence and foreign affairs
- Each province would have a governor
- Dyarchy was abolished
- Separate electorates to continue
- Burma was separated from India and given its own government
- Two new states, Sindh and Orissa, were created
According to the Government of India Act, what was the role of the viceroy? (2)
- Controlled defence and foreign affairs
- Have to follow the advice of an Executive Committee, which was made up of mostly Indians
Why did Congress reject the second Government of India Act?
Because they were committed to Purna Swaraj
Why did the Muslim League object to the second Government of India Act? (2)
- It did not offer enough power to Muslims in either central or provincial legislatures.
- No guarantees were offered for the protection of the rights of Muslims
What would happen to the Princes if the Government of India Act were to be passed?
The Government of India Act proposed an all-India federation that would inevitably result in a diminution of the power of the princes and they were prepared to bargain hard to protect their fiscal rights.
By 1939, What fraction of the states had agreed to the form of federation required by the Act?
2/3
Who was the most successful coming out of the 1937 elections?
Congress
What provinces did Congress gain overall control of? (4)
- United and Central Provinces
- Orissa
- Bombay
- Madras
Where was Congress outvoted? (3)
- Bengal
- Punjab
- Sind
How many legislative members did Congress win?
716
How many provinces did the INC control?
7/11
Why did the Muslim League fail in the elections?
They had no strong leadership until 1935, when Jinnah returned from self-exile in England
What did Jinnah attempt to do when he came back?
Build up a support base in the limited time frame
How did the Congress dominated provinces react to Muslims?
They ignored minorities and took advantage of their new offices to appoint fellow caste members
What was done in some provinces to Muslim landowners?
Fiscal policies were drawn up to hurt Muslim landowners
What was banned in Bihar?
Cow slaughter
What did many Muslims feel like they were living in?
A Hindu Raj
What did Jinnah do to revitalise the Muslim League?
Began a series of carefully orchestrated personal appearances, mass rallies and press interviews and became the embodiment of Muslim identity
What were the divisions in Congress? (2)
- Some ranged behind Gandhi, who favoured using parliamentary tactics in order to achieve swaraj, even if it meant temporarily cooperating with the Raj and the princes
- Some ranged behind Nehru, who hated working within a constitution they disliked and having to accept that ultimate power still lay with the British
What did Gandhi negotiate with the British about the new constitution and did this work?
To gain an assurance that provincial governors would not interfere with normal administration. This worked to a considerable ectent
When was Bose elected as president?
1938
Why was Congress fighting over the presidency?
Gandhi did not trust Bose and neither did the old guard but Bose refused to step aside
How many members of the Gandhi faction resigned immediately due to Bose’s election?
12
