Topic 3 Flashcards
1
Q
why did the 1937 provincial election
A
as a result of 1935 government of India Act abolishing dyarchy to give provincial control to all matters except military and finance and giving an electorate vote to 35 million people
2
Q
what were the 1937 provincial elections
A
- electrified political situation
- indians governing indians was palpable for the first time
- INC won all the seats - 716 elected members
3
Q
why did the ML fare so bad in the 1937 elections
A
- Jinnah had returned from exile in England and so to attempt to rally a coordinated and focused support was a big task
- he worked hard before the elections to build up a power base but wasn’t able to find enough candidates to contest all the reserved Muslim seats
- when he came back he was elected as president of the Muslim league in 1937 but he had nothing to offer
4
Q
what were the divisions in congress in 1938
A
- by end of 1938 INC torn apart by in fighting
- considerable pressure for Bose to quit as president - Gandhi did not trust Bose and nor did the INC old guard
- Nehru refused to stand against Bose and so he won the election for INC pres by 200 votes
- many of the Gandhi faction resigned and so Bose was head of a party that was unable to function effectively - Gandhi organised the CWC to reign - pull the heart and best people out
- Bose forced to resign and was replaced by Rajendra Prasad, a key member of the CWC
- Bose and his bro Chandra formed the Forward Bloc Party - revolutionary group to overthrow the Raj
gandhi doesn’t want to be head of the INC he wants spiritualty not politcs
5
Q
Linlithgow’s declaration of war
A
- September 3rd 1939
- announced India at war on behalf of Britain - committed over 300 million Indians
- obvious war was coming which made it more surprising that he made this announcement without consultation of Indians or the INC
- Britain was in charge of military through Gov of India Act of 1935 so Britain kind of back in charge of provincial people as INC resigned
- Jinnah decided tactical move to stick by Britain and support them in their war effort which led to Lahore Resolution
- it was a huge cock up on behalf of Britain because between 1937-39 India and Raj getting on well working happily besides and for each other
6
Q
what was the reaction of the INC to Linlithgow’s declaration of war
A
- Gandhi urged the British to negotiate with Hitler but some of the old INC guard knew this was futile
- INC not prepared to support government over something they had not been consulted on
- despite the fact that winning the war was in India’s interests and freedom they refused to cooperate with the war effort
- INC ordered all its members to resign from provincial ministries all over India
- INC was not prepared to fight unless they were grated Purna Swaraj - foolish demand -
7
Q
reaction of the ML to Lilithgow’s declaration of war
A
- Jinnah couldn’t believe his luck as INC had resigned leaving the way open for the ML to come in
- by 22nd December 1939 - Jinnah named this day the Muslim Day of Deliverance and called for all Indian Muslims to celebrate their freedom from Hindu bondage
- Jinnah was now able to focus on formulating the ML’s constitutional objectives such as the push for Pakistan
- he called for a meeting In Lahore March 1940
- political opportunist
8
Q
the Lahore Resolution
A
- March 1940 meeting of ML to formulate their political demands as since the start of the war they were rising in power due to support for and from the British
TWO Proposals:
- provinces where Muslims where the majority should be grouped together to form separate independent states
- that minorities had to be protected whether the people concerned were living in Muslim or Hindu dominated states
- separate independent states highlighted Jinnah so no possibility of rapprochement between Hindus and Muslims
- INC hated
- British grateful for ML and said they would not adopt a new constitution without prior approval from the ML
- Jinnah got something to offer now in a concrete political position
9
Q
hostage theory
A
- INC said muslims been selfish and not looking out for the other minorities
- ironic because they weren’t
- hostage theory was Jinnah’s response
10
Q
reaction to the Lahore Resolution
A
- arguments flared between Jinnah and Gandhi
- Gandhi said Lahore Resolution was tantamount to the vivisection of India
- mini satyagraha campaigns broke out across India
- Jinnah had played an ace - supported Britain at time of crisis and gained sympathy
11
Q
August Offer 1940
A
- proposition of some form of government but did not offer independence and so was universally rejected
- done by Linlithgow
- ‘representative’ Indians would join his executive council
- a war advisory council would be established that would include the princes and other interested parties
- there was an assurance that the government would not adopt a new constitution without prior approval of Muslim India
- 50% muslim say
12
Q
what was the Atlantic Charter
A
August 1941
- signed
- agreement between Churchill and FDR
- main purpose was to promote post war peace and self determination for all countries giving India hope of self determination
- but Churchill pro imperialist so he did not want any notions of dismantling the Raj and British power in India
- he signed it under the notion that India was not included
13
Q
what was the Cripps Mission
A
- Churchill appointed Stafford Crips to lead a delegation to India to secure full cooperation and support for the war
- invited all Indian parties to join an interim government of national unity until after the war
- found situation in India bad - food poor - unrest rising - internal situation seemingly bad
14
Q
why was sending Cripps for the Cripps Mission clever by Britain
A
- because he was a massive supporter of India
- labour politician
- besties with INC thought he could get them to cooperate - reasonable chance of success but he couldn’t
15
Q
Gandhi’s reaction to the Cripps Mission
A
- was willing to accept the proposal but on condition that India’s defence would be controlled by India - ridiculous as mid war
16
Q
discuss the relevance of topic 2 Gandhi’s back to basic movement
A
- Gandhi had spent time looking at untouchables and improving education and sanitation
- this made him feel betrayed when they sided with Ambedkar after he’d tried to help them
- betrayed for wanting separate electorates
17
Q
discuss the relevance of the topic 2 Simon commission
A
- the driving force of the RTCs
- exposed that the untouchables and other minority groups didn’t feel represented by the INC
- so the INC wouldn’t be able to have sole control of India
18
Q
discuss the relevance of the topic 2 Jinnah’s failed rapprochement
A
- he asked for a third of the seats expecting the INC to negotiate but they just refused
- caused him to leave and go to Britain
- caused him to want to do things constitutionally
- key architect of the RTC - pushes for them with Ramsey Mac Donald
19
Q
discuss the relevance of the the topic 2 salt satyagraha
A
- the RTC need to happen to help satisfy Gandhi to stop it
- the salt satyagraha took the spotlight limiting the RTCs media impact and coverage
- time of Gandhi-Irwin pact
- Gandhi didn’t attend the FRTC because of it
20
Q
why did the FRTC take place
A
- 31st January 1929 Viceroy Irwin announced that the British Gov would convene a RTC to discuss the constitution of India
- minority rights and representation - building on the findings of the Simon Commission
- provide LT reassurance to nationalists and minorities
21
Q
discuss the political stance of Viceroy Irwin
A
- he had progressive views but was a puppet straddling both labour and conservative governments
- despite a new incoming Labour Government in June Dominion Status was not to be on the agenda because the election hadn’t happened yet - the Government was still conservative
22
Q
who attended the FRTC
A
- no INC as they rejected as they had agreed to Purna Swaraj in June 1929
- Irwin didn’t nominate any INC members anyway
- Gandhi was imprison but was informed by Irwin that the conference would give nationalists reassurance and ensure co-operation with the Simon Commission
- 16 reps from the 3 main British political parties
- 16 provincial princes
- 57 nominees of the Viceroy to represent British India which included all religions
23
Q
why was it good that Gandhi and the INC didn’t attend the FRTC
A
- Britain only care about Gandhi who was not in charge anyway
- it was better they weren’t there as it would have created conflict as Gandhi claims he does represent all
24
Q
when was the FRTC
A
12th November 1930
25
Q
what did the FRTC and in fact all the RTC show about Britain
A
- they were taking things seriously
- the FRTC lasted 3 months not just a day
- the nominees chosen by the viceroy were deliberately chosen to be pro-Britain Indians that will be amicable with Britain but it was still representative in that it was all religions
26
Q
what was the situation with Hindus and untouchables at the FRTC
A
- Hindus were not invited but untouchables were
- Gandhi tried to eliminate untouchables as he didn’t want them to have a voice as it would weaken INC power
- majority of Hindus are untouchables - divide and rule
- separate Hindus and Untouchables
27
Q
what is the effect of these types of discussion
A
- no focal point or head
- all see and hear each other
- union
- constructive discussion
- emphasise difference of opinion - potential anarchy
- you have to all be on the same page
28
Q
what was the outcome of the FRTC what was decided
A
- all minorities were given a separate electorate - India would become more democratic in its voting - this weakened the INC
- Princes states agree to become federally linked with Britain - protection - if the INC gain sole control they could be destroyed by INC
- LT protection from war, INC and the future constitution
- they’ll get a say in government
- it was the right thing for them to do at the time
29
Q
what was the problem with the FRTC
A
- no Gandhi or INC which is essentially half of India
- takes place during the salt march which took priority in the headlines while the RTC was brushed under the carpet - it doesn’t get the reaction so it appears Britain are not doing anything - Britain need salt march to end and Great Depression not helping
- a correspondent to The Times said that no delegation without Gandhi, the two Nehrus or Patel could possibly looked on as representative
- so long as Gandhi remained in prison, he would be the focus and cause of protest/rejection
30
Q
why did Viceroy Irwin release Gandhi from prison after the FRTC
A
- to allow for personal negotiations - led to Gandhi-Irwin pact which allowed the RTC to proceed without hinderance
- RTC not representative without Gandhi and needed to stop protesting
- the INC ratified the Gandhi-Irwin pact although some politicians in Britain felt that a Principal Indian trouble causer had been rewarded for creating disorder
31
Q
what was Churchill’s opinion on Gandhi and why that was given in his speech on 23rd Feb 1931
A
- he dislikes Gandhi as he doesn’t match his political outlook and he posed a threat to Britain
- he doesn’t want disobedience
- he doesn’t feel Gandhi is respectful or doing things in the traditional way
- Gandhi’s dress encouraged the cause Churchill disliked and he felt Gandhi should dress appropriately for the House of Lords
- he was openly aggressive and belittling to Gandhi, wanted to play him down to expose his flaws
- Churchill was a huge imperialist
32
Q
why did Churchill quit the front benches in June 1931
A
- he became isolated within the conservative party for his over-imperialist attitude towards India
33
Q
what happened while Gandhi was on the boat on the way from India to britain to attend the STRC
A
the government changed from Labour to Conservative
Conservatives hate Gandhi
national government formed
he expected Labour
34
Q
what was important about the Princes stance at the RTC
A
- their support for the concept of Dominion Status strengthened the case being made by the Labour group for granting Dominion Status to India on the same basis as other parts of the empire
- it strengthened the arguments that were put forwards in the House of Commons by the minority Labour government
- they were able to establish a clear policy backed by evidence and so potentially freed MacDonald from the threat of Tory and Liberal opposition to granting India dominion status in parliament
35
Q
who was Ramsay Mac Donald
A
the Labour Party leader and British Prime Minister 1929-1931
36
Q
what is the significance of the inauguration of New Delhi
A
- Feb 1931 British inaugurated New Delhi as the administrative capital of the Raj
- foundations of stone laid for the viceroy’s residence designed to convey the solemnity and permanence of the Raj
- they had four columns representing the four dominions
- the message was unmistakable - India was at some point in the near future to be welcomed into the family of British dominions
- the timing was unfortunate as Britain seemed to make a clear statement set in stone at a point where the RTCs were supposedly about conciliation and compromise
37
Q
discuss the government change over in August 1931
A
- the Labour government fell to the pressure of the global economic depression
- this meant that ramsay macdonald led a National government dominated by the conservative party and a conservative Sir Samuel Hoare was appointed as S.O.S for India and chaired the conference
- Hoare was a deep conservatism and imperialist
- Gandhi arrives September unaware of the New national government - Gandhi expected Labour
38
Q
why was a national government formed in 1931
A
- both key parties rule together due to the Great Depression
- Britain’s main priority right now is the economy they don’t care about India rn
39
Q
when was the STRC
A
September - December 1931
40
Q
who attended the STRC
A
- Ambedkar
- Jinnah
- Gandhi
- Aga Kahn
- Untouchables
41
Q
who was Aga Kahn
A
the spiritual leader of the Ismailis a small Muslim sect
42
Q
why did the STRC take place
A
- to build on the foundations laid at FRTC
- the Gandhi-Irwin pact and Gandhi’s release from prison had made it possible for Congress to be represented
43
Q
what was the outcome of the SRTC and why
A
- no outcome
- Britain focused on economy - limited agenda
- Gandhi claimed to speak for all India bluntly questioning the right of his fellow Indians to be round the table at all - Gandhi thinks he owns the place when he didn’t even attend the FRTC
- he particularly enraged the Untouchables rep claiming that they as Hindus should not be considered for a separate electorate
- Ambedkar, Aga Kahn and Jinnah too could not agree with Gandhi
- no independence or dominion discussed, missed opportunity before its began
44
Q
discuss Gandhi at the SRTC
A
- bit of an arrogant dickhead
- made himself sole rep of Congress and hoped to symbolise the unity of India Nationalist movement
- he was aware he had swung his support behind the young hooligans and could not accept anything less than purna swaraj
- he failed to consider how many different agendas there would be amongst all groups
45
Q
why did Gandhi visit different parts of Britain during his time there for the STRC
A
- get the enemy (Britain) on side which was vital for his cause - Britain couldn’t ignore what their own people want
- his satyagraha affected the cotton industry - apologise
- working class and poor areas are Labour
- people were in awe and intrigue of him
46
Q
why was it unusual that Nehru didn’t attend the SRTC
A
- he was the leader and as a young hooligan he didn’t have the same vision
- Gandhi doesn’t even represent his own leader
47
Q
what did Gandhi make a point of doing when he came for Britain for the SRTC
A
- made a point of wearing his homespun and nothing else even in the freezing British weather
- brings his own pans and a wheel to show he doesn’t need Britain and is still carrying out Swadesh
- meets with everyone to show he can work with Britain but he couldn’t at the conference and he can’t work with other Indians!!
48
Q
why did the STRC begin to unravel
A
- all the different groups demanded separate electorates but Gandhi took particular opposition to the Untouchables represented by Ambedkar having a separate electorate as they were Hindus and the INC represent all
- well known and well-rehearsed arguments began about how minority voice would create an unbalance of power
- agreeance could not be reached
- Congress had the additional worry of the the Princes potentially forming allegiance with the ML
49
Q
discuss the Third RTC
A
Nov-Dec 1923
- doomed before it started
- only 46 delegates attended none of which were from the INC or the British Labour Party
- discussion on franchise, economy and role of Princely states
- no definite conclusions reached
- collapsed in confusion
50
Q
what is franchise
A
the right to vote
