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
51
Q
give some of the reasons why the RTCs failed
A
- Nehru and Gandhi didn’t attend FRTC - in jail
- no other INC reps attended they refused
- STRC unable to agree on workable constitution because of disagreements over separate electorates issue
- Gandhi alienated other Indian groups as he saw himself as the only spokesman
- Britain was gripped by deep economic depression by third RTC MacDonald has lost support of Labour Party and the new coalition government deemed economy a more important issue than future of India
52
Q
discuss the divided opinion in the new coalition government
A
- Sam Hoare (new S.O.S for India) was a conservatism and had reservations about India’s capacity for self government
- there were also some 50 conservative backbenches the most vociferous being Churchill who strongly opposed independence for India
53
Q
viceroy Irwin
A
1926-1931
- progressive
- Irwin declaration gave hope
- represents both governments
- salt satya
- decleration of purna swaraj
54
Q
viceroy willingdon
A
1931-1936
- imprisoned key figures
- let Gandhi die (not literally)
- poona pact
- communal award
- unwilling / repressive
55
Q
India’s struggle for independence in 1930s
A
- Conservatives had no desire for change - confirmed in late 1920s and with the Simon Commission
- Conservatives has accepted that the Empire was threatened and something may have to change in terms of British policy in India but were certainly not forthright about it
- Labour Party more convinced India entitled to democratic authority - say more/bigger voice
- 1930s about playing the game for India
- by the end of 30s independence seen as an achievable reality by India and Britain - both parties working towards a solution even if far apart
56
Q
discuss the stance of Viceroy Willingdon
A
- after the SRTC collapsed new viceroy Willingdon refused to sanction talks with Gandhi to readdress the situation
- he was unlike Irwin who was sympathetic to Gandhi
- he said he was only willing to work with those who conformed to Raj administration - good for Jinnah
57
Q
what happened following the SRTC
A
resort to repression
- Gandhi arrested in Yeravda Jail - he refused Willingdon’s offer to be moved to a more comfortable place
- emergency powers similar to DOIA and Rowlatt put in
- he imprisoned other members of the CWC effectively outlawing the INC all together
- further banned Youth Organisations and effectively stifled the nationalist movement in India
- some 80,000 India activists were imprisoned
- without their leaders most protests/boycotts unorganized and ineffective
- Gandhi imprison for over a year - Willingdon hated - had to rely on military secretary for his personal safety
58
Q
when was the Communal award
A
1932 16th August
59
Q
what was the Communal award of 1932
A
- PM Ramsay MacDonald announced the Communal award which was to be incorporated into any new Indian Constitution with immediate effect
- recognised Sikhs, Christians, Anglo Indians and Untouchables as separate classes that were therefore entitled to separate electorates in any future constitution
- this also included Muslims
60
Q
what was Gandhi’s response to the Communal Award
A
- furious
- never been in favour of separate electorates but he felt the inclusion of Untouchables was an insult to the Swaraj Movement
- INC represents all especially HINDU untouchables
- he wanted to remove the stigma of untouchability and it had been his mission to see them included and respected as Hindus
- thought it was British Gov way of weakening INC by dividing Hindu majority/weakening their voice
- lasted a fast until death campaign
- most extreme way of protests as a way of blackmailing the British Gov into withdrawing the Communal Award
61
Q
what was the impact of Gandhi’s 1932 fast following the announcement of the Communal Award
A
- neither British or INC wanted Gandhi to die
- Willingdon couldn’t afford to make Gandhi a martyr to the nationalist cause and always intended to release him to avoid his death
- Gandhi began fast and his stubbornness meant he was willing to go to death
- as a result untouchables came under increasing emotional and political pressure
- a wide spectrum of Hindu leaders and representatives of the Untouchables met in Bombay to discuss the situation
- they hammered out proposals which they took to Poona where Gandhi was imprisoned
62
Q
who was Dr Ambedkar and what did he do
A
- Indian jurist, social reformer, politician and economist
- campaigned against social discrimination against the untouchables
- later served as India’s minister of law and was the principal architect of the Constitution of Independent India
- represented Untouchables
- signed the Poona Pact on behalf of them
63
Q
what was the Poona Pact
A
- when delegation met Gandhi he was weak and close to physical and mental collapse
- discussion lasted several days
- Communal Award was revised and the number of seats awarded to the Untouchables in any future Indian Government was increased from 71 to 148
- they were guaranteed at least 18% of future seats in any future general assembly so long as they were voted for by a general electorate
64
Q
what did the Poona Pact mean in essence
A
- abandonment of separate electorates because although there were guaranteed seats for Untouchables the way in which they were voted for was by a general election
- agreed specific sums of money would be set aside for the education of Untouchables in each province
65
Q
what was the British response to the Poona Pact
A
- accepted it
- in turn Gandhi ended his seven day fast
- made the necessary amendments to the Communal Award
- the British were not entirely satisfied with the situation, despite the agreement between Hindus and Untouchables at Poona, they still felt there was too much divide in India
- RTCs had demonstrated the differing opinions
- British Gov felt they could not leave India in an unstable state and that India was incapable of creating its own constitution so the British politicians did themselves instead with the new Gov of India act - need to do something to progress India to prevent nationalism
66
Q
what was the prelude to the 1935 Government of India Act
A
- 1917 Lord Montagu had hinted at Dominion Status
- 1929 Irwin had announced it
- However RTCs and Simon Commission had come and gone, resentment was rising whilst political progress was static something needed to be done to stop India boiling over again
- 1933 on paper
- passed 1935
- a reality in 1937
67
Q
who was the 1935 Gov of India act under
A
- willingdon as viceroy
- Hoare as S.O.S - Hoare was actually quite progressive for a conservative
68
Q
what was the IDL
A
Indian Defence League
right wing conservatives
pro empire
Britain better than everyone else
69
Q
why was their British opposition to the 1935 Gov of India Act
A
- widespread support for the IDL, especially from Daily Mail which was very imperialist and belittled India saying it was incapable of self-rule and labelled Gandhi and INC as semi-educated and insignificant
- Daily Mail published fake photos of Indian violence which people thought were true
- tried to show India needed Britain to look after them
- Daily Mail stated India essential to British economy and to lose India’s trade at a time of global instability and Western economic struggle would be foolish - people didn’t want to lose their jobs
- Churchill big fan of IDL - believed Britain should be under British rule forever
70
Q
discuss the implementation of the 1935 Gov of India Act
A
- pushed through by Stanley Baldwin despite clear opposition from IDL/future PM Attlee who disagreed with it for different reasons to Churchill - Atlee felt it wasn’t enough! full independence - Labour
- he managed to convince the conservatives that empire had to change and develop
- when it came to vote fewer than 50 MPs voted no
71
Q
what did S.O.S Samuel Hoare think about the Gov of India Act 1935
A
acknowledged it was controversial and not without opposition but no one else had produced a workable alternative so it had to be accepted
72
Q
why was getting the Gov of India Act 1935 been pushed through a credit to Baldwin
A
conservatives don’t like change
73
Q
what was the Government of India Act 1935
A
- British India divided into 11 provinces each with their own council and assembly
- provinces control their own affairs (except defence and foreign affairs) and have an elected governor with more authority than ever before
- dyarchy abolished and India’s given full control of membership in their councils unless there was a major event
- separate electorates remained the same
- two new states created - Sindh and Orissa
- Viceroy still appointed by Britain with control of defence/foreign affairs but would have to listen to the Executive Committee- mainly Indian
- Burma was separated from India and given its own governance
- everything India would get with DS - massive step forwards
- but not purna swaraj
- but why should Britain reward after problems
74
Q
what was the significance of two new states, Sindh and Orissa been created under the 1935 Government of India Act
A
- Jinnah and Muslims asked, Britain listening and providing
- perhaps British tactic of divide and rule
- it also changed the geography of India
- it pushed some provinces together in the NW to make a Muslim stronghold
75
Q
why was it significant that Burma was separated and given its own governance under the 1935 Gov of India Act
A
- massive part of India given dominion status
- Jinnah starts thinking about the possibility of Pakistan
- SWW issue - Bengal faming - Burma provides food for South India but its captured
76
Q
what did Churchill think about Indian independence
A
he thought that Indians were totally unsuited to democracy and should remain subordinate to British democracy for ever
77
Q
give four reasons why there was so much opposition to the 1935 Gov of India Act as it progressed through parliament
A
- imperial views of Churchill and Tory backbenchers - support for the IDL
- Britain’s economic situation at the time especially the concerns of the Lancashire cotton mill owners
- hostility towards Gandhi and Indian nationalism
- fear that the loss of India meant the end of the British empire
78
Q
why was the 1935 Gov of India Act only partially implemented by the outbreak of the SWW
A
- it has such a negative response from many people in Britain it took a while to push through parliament
- by 1939 only two fifths of the states had agree to the form of federation required by the act
79
Q
what did the INC think about the Gov of India Act 1935
A
- objected it because wanted pruna swaraj
- not interested in a ‘half-way house’
- INC wanted India to have a strong central Gov dominated by Hindus and thus couldn’t support the notion of provincial government which may be Muslim-dominated in some areas
80
Q
what did the Princes think of the Gov of India Act 35
A
had the act been passed in full it would have reduced the power of the Maharajas and they were prepared to doggedly protect their rights and interests
princes threatened to join IDL and go against Britain so Britain left them to do what they wanted to avoid conflict
- wanted to be part of British India but not voting system
- separate deal
81
Q
what was the ML response to the Gov of India Act 35
A
- ML objected it as it didn’t offer them enough influence or power in central/provincial Gov
- there was no guarantee in the act that their interest would be secured
- Jinnah only came back to India late 34 and set out to make ML more dynamic political organisation
82
Q
what did Jinnah aim to do upon his return to India in 1935
A
- make ML more decisive political party and the main Muslim party/powerhouse again
- 2 years before 1937 elections- not enough time to build a campaign
- 1935 those Muslims in INC joined ML
83
Q
what did the 1935 Gov of India Act lead to
A
- 1937 provincial elections which may have changed the face of India
84
Q
what was the INC’s worry going into the 1937 elections
A
- that a large number of Muslim and minority candidates would stand and potentially reduce INC influence
85
Q
why did both the INC and ML choose to participate in the 1937 elections
A
- they were controversial and difficult for most
- participation may have given impression they accepted the act
- but if they refused to participate they may be cut of from gov and left with virtually no say in India’s future
- eventually both groups decided to take part as it gave them the best opportunity to work within gov and instil the changes they wanted
86
Q
how did the 1937 elections demonstrate the disarray the ML was in
A
- in the NWFP they win 0 seats
- people would rather vote for random Muslim groups
- and in the NE where Muslims are a majority not all Muslims support the ML
87
Q
what was the outcome of the 1937 elections if four words
A
INC good
ML bad
88
Q
how did the INC fair in the 1937 elections
A
- won all contestable seats
- gained control of the central/united provinces
- became largest single party in country
- only outvoted in Bengal, Punjab and Sind
- in reality less than half of the 1585 seats were available but Congress won them all
- 716 elected members
- as INC now controlled most provinces, began to implement its strategies which aimed at improving welfare
- practice ruling for independence
89
Q
how did the ML fair in the 1937 elections
A
- badly due to years of poor leadership before Jinnah’s return in late 34
- couldn’t galvanise the Muslim vote
- Muslims didn’t even have enough candidates to contest all of their reserved seats
- Jinnah worked tirelessly to rally support but failed to find enough suitable electoral candidates
90
Q
discuss the revitalisation of the ML
A
- 1930 INC only had 26 Muslim delegates down from 1500
- diminishing Muslim voice and views about sperate state circulating persuaded Jinnah to return to India
- those who the separatist view were disjointed with no clear direction
- Jinnah was given an enthusiastic welcome on his arrival
- he realised that organising Muslims into one powerful and dynamic organisation was crucial but that it was a difficult task
- restore Muslim values
91
Q
how was Jinnah able to restore a distinct Muslim identity
A
- restored national events like Tipu Sultan Day
- Jinnah toured the country from 35-9 creating political consciousness among Muslims
- slow and steady
- by the book
- constitutional
- festivals to make Muslims aware they are significant and can have a say
- Muslim Maharajah
92
Q
discuss Jinnah’s third attempts at rapprochement
A
- Gandhi, Jinnah, Nehru, Bose met in 1938
- Bose head at this time
- INC say represent all
- Jinnah say INC Hindu and an India governed by INC would mean dominance over the Muslim minority
- Jinnah insistent ML should be the sole party to represent Muslims
- Jinnah said should form a coalition - INC reject
- ## but rejection was fair - they just legitimately won the election
93
Q
why did Jinnah know he would get rejected at his third attempt of rapprochement after the 37 election
A
- confidence trick
- he knows he’ll get rejected but can turn round and say INC don’t represent Muslims
- manipulates the situation to get Muslims on side
94
Q
What was the relationship like between the INC and the Raj between 1937-9
A
good smooth amicable
some cracks where some of Britain’s suggestions and trade deals are rejected but bound to be teething problems
Indian Civil Service work for Gov and law courts
people happy with British India for first time in decade
95
Q
what did the 37 elections mean
A
- INC and Raj partners in government
- except military and foreign policy
- INC leadership uncertain about how power it had in the provinces
- some provinces rejected Raj interference and some refused to accept Muslim rights
96
Q
discuss the divisions within Congress in 1938-9
A
- end of 38 INC torn apart by in-fighting over presidency
- pressure for Bose to quit as president
- Gandhi/INC old guard didn’t trust him
- Nehru refused to stand, Bose won election by 200 votes
- Gandhi organises CWC to resign - pull out heart
- Bose not head of party unable to effectively function
- Bose forced to resign - Prasad replaced him
- Bose and brother Chandra formed Forward Bloc Party a revolutionary group to overthrow Raj- takes anger out on Britain
97
Q
who was Prasad
A
new head of INC when Bose forced to resign - Gandhi’s bestie - Gandhi puppet - does what Gandhi and Nehru want because Gandhi doesn’t want to be head - wants to focus on spirituality
98
Q
discuss Linlithgow’s Declaration of War
A
- shortly after British PM Chamberlain declared war upon Germany, Linlithgow declared war on behalf of India
- he committed over 300 million people and troops to war without consulting INC or any Indian people
- Britain did still control the military under the 35 Gov of India Act but should have had decency to speak to India who are ruling domestically
99
Q
who was Leo Amery
A
S.O.S for India and Burma 1940-1945
- deliberately installed in Burma because of his military background
- laisse with India from a military perspective
- need strong British India communication during war - ironic with Linlithgow’s declaration been a lack of communication
- Burma very much under threat during SWW
100
Q
what was the reaction of the INC to Linlithgow’s declaration of war
A
- Gandhi urged British to negotiate with Hitler but some INC guard knew this was futile
- INC didn’t want to support Gov or war effort
- INC only agree to cooperate of given purna swaraj - unreasonable!!! -
- war in Indian interests and freedom though
- INC ordered all its members to resign from provincial ministries all over India leaving Britain back in charge
- great for Jinnah
101
Q
what was the ML reaction to Linlithgow’s declaration of war
A
- Jinnah couldn’t believe his luck
- INC, of its own volition, virtually retired from the political scene
- left way for ML to strengthen position
- help Britain to get stuff back
- free from INC so could focus on formulating the MLs constitutional objectives - push for Pakistan
102
Q
what was the Day of Deliverance
A
- 22nd December 1939
- the day by which all INC members had resigned from their seats following Linlithgow’s declaration of war
- celebration for Muslims of freedom from Hindu bondage
103
Q
why did Jinnah call for the Lahore Congress
A
- political opportunist
- INC resigned all seats - chance for ML to work on their own constitutional objectives - Pakistan
- March 1940
- some 100,000 Muslims attend - he didn’t have the support 3/4 years ago
- war catapults him to the top
104
Q
what was the Lahore Resolution
A
two proposals
- areas where Muslims in majority should be grouped to form separate independent states
- minorities protected in states whether Hindu or Muslim
- key words - separate independent states - seemed Jinnah no longer saw any possibility of rapprochement
- big change in ML philosophy now INC not in way
- Jinnah has a goal now
105
Q
what is Pakistan Resolution Day
A
- 23rd March 1940
- Day he gave a speech at the Lahore Resolution
- Day Pakistan was conceived
106
Q
what was the INC reaction to the Lahore Resolution
A
- Gandhi believed it was tantamount to the vivisection of India
- Nehru said it was a mad scheme and toured to rally objection to it - but people threw rocks at him - split nation
- mini satyagraha’s broke out - Raj acted swiftly and jailed protestors - helps Muslims - Britain can’t afford nationalism rn - war priority
107
Q
what was the British reaction to the Lahore Resolution
A
- May 1940
- Linlithgow agreed British would not adopt a new constitution without prior approval of Muslim India
- yet the August Offer did not offer independence was universally rejected - Muslims get 50% say
- nevertheless Jinnah had played an ACE
- supporting Britain in their time of need made them very sympathetic to Muslim political rights
108
Q
discuss Bose and the axis powers
A
- Bose had resigned from INC and formed Forward Bloc Party
- arrested 2nd July 1940
- escaped Jan 1941
- fled to USSR where he attempted to rally support from Stalin
- cold reception - tried Hitler
- lukewarm reception - tried Japan - formed INA from Indian POW in Japan - aim was full scale invasion of India - 20,000 strong army
109
Q
Indians in SWW
A
100,000 deaths just Sikhs and Muslims
2.5 million Indian soldiers
Churchill grateful even if he doesn’t want to give Indian independence
110
Q
what did INC say about SWW
A
better if Indian won
- anti-British Japanese propaganda captured the mood showing repressive British exploitation of political and religious differences in India
- Japan played on events like Amritsar calling Churchill a tyrant in a bid to get Indians to deflect to Japan
111
Q
how was the war going for Britain in 1942
A
- bit shit
- India began to realise either way they’d get independence
- if Britain lost to Japan they would probably take India and they’d be freed
- if Britain win they probs not in economic position to keep India
- Britain needed Indian support during war need jewel to shine
112
Q
discuss the perspectives in 1942
A
- INC shown it represented and controlled millions
- ML greatly strengthened its position - gained tactic agreement from British that some form of separatism for Muslims desired and maybe even possible
- Raj still in charge - stretched its muscles to demonstrate that it may keep India by force if necessary - more resilient then expected -DORA - Britain could take Indian stuff for war
113
Q
what was the Cripps Mission
A
- Churchill appointed Cripps to lead a delegation to India to secure full Indian cooperation/support for war
- arrived 23rd March 1942
- invited all parties to join an interim government until the end of the war
- Churchill’s intent was threefold: lid on nationalism, encourage Indian war effort, stop American interference in the Raj
- attempt to end disunity - need triarchy - INC missing from Gov at the minute
114
Q
Sir Stafford Cripps
A
- massive supporter of India Labour Politician
- gets on well with INC good for Britain as thought they could get INC to cooperate
- smart from Churchill
- reasonable chance of success
- Cabinet member of the wartime coalition government
- strong supporter of Purna Swaraj
115
Q
what was Gandhi’s response to the Cripps mission
A
- furious with proposals
- willing to accept interim gov but only if India could get control of defence
- STUPID
- INC were unwilling to negotiate and don’t like sharing with Muslims but the Muslims have been helping the war
- INC saw it as a trick but Cripps wanted progression and independence
- thought Britain were doing divide and rule
- opportunity for unity lost
- INC resigned and shouldn’t be allowed back but Churchill a CONSERVATIVE offering them an olive branch!
116
Q
what was the result of the Cripps Mission failure
A
- both sides hardened their approach
- Linlithgow resorted to old methods of repression while Gandhi and INC considered a new satyagraha
- viceroy attempted to send all leading INC members to Africa
- Gandhi proposed India make peace with Japan but Nehru and INC refused to support fascism
- Nehru the level headed one at this point - he is in the driving seat
- Jinnah however had encouraged Muslims to support the war effort - astute move - great sympathy from britain
- INC feel like Britain trying to manipulate them
117
Q
why was Gandhi’s quit India campaign so controversial
A
- to begin a satyagraha during the SWW seemed like folly and even treachery
- it set the INC against the Raj at a critical time for the British
- some INC members weary at first as it like a crime
- he’s been passive his whole life and now he is dodging his morals a bit
118
Q
what was the Quit India campaign
A
- satyagraha
- gave do or die speech on August 8th 1942
- he pre-empted arrest and repression by the British and urged for all INC followers to make India ungovernable
- mass non-cooperation, violence, riots, attacks on Europeans and death but Gandhi doesn’t step in like he did at Chauri Chaura
- INC thought the Cripps Mission was Britain’s way of pushing them further away from independence by making them sign up to another government
119
Q
why was Gandhi’s Quit India campaign effecticve
A
- timing - Britain vulnerable
- it didn’t need leaders to run
- he gave people guidance knowing he would be arrested
- maximise his power over Indian nationalists at a time when Britain have no way of dealing with it - Indians try to pressure Raj into leaving
120
Q
what was the British response to Quit India
A
- eradicate key stakeholders
- arrest Gandhi, Nehru and most INC members
121
Q
give the key statistics of Quit India
A
- 3 months
- 10,000s of railway lines ripped up and destroyed
- 1000+ British government buildings burnt down
- 1000+ death directly attributed to the movement
- 3000+ serious injuries
- Britain had to send 35,000 soldiers to break it up weakening their resistance elsewhere
122
Q
what was the aftermath of Quit India
A
- caused nothing but misery and chaos
- damaged INC reputation
- enhance ML reputation who didn’t support it
- failed to paralyse the Raj/ INC leaders in prison
- Indian military had remained loyal!
123
Q
what did Churchill do to deal with Quit India
A
- appoint new viceroy Wavell
- October 1943
- arguably the wrong man in the wrong place at the wrong time - indicative of Churchill’s lack of understanding of situation in India
- but Wavell proved successful!!
- he was a military man - Churchill wanted someone to get the best of the war effort in India not a politician but this could have gone wrong - baso declaring marshall law
- good at logistics but strong empathy - balanced needs and wants
124
Q
what was the Bengal faming
A
- began in 1943
- annual death rate almost doubled to 1.9 million
- Wavell acted immediately by sending troops to coordinate rationing/stop profiteering - Wavell had a career of organising personnel/equipment - puts that in place here
- allied leaders compelled to refuse to divert valuable shipping to assist India’s plight
- between 1-3 million died
- exacerbated by war but would have happened anyway
- not a lot that can be done but people starving in India didn’t see it that way - Britain could send food but it could be blown up on the way
125
Q
why did the Bengal famine create tension between Muslims and Britain
A
- Bengal a Muslim dominated province
- they were supporting the war effort and were hit the hardest
- we helped you in your time of need but your not helping us in ours
- creates challenge
126
Q
what was the political impact of the Bengal famine
A
- Churchill faced criticism
- his stats adviser claimed it to be a statistical invention
- INC/ML made political opportunity out of it
- Jinnah accused the British of incompetence
- INC blamed it on diversion of food to British troops
- Wavell requested 1 million tons of grain
- government reluctantly offered 25,000 tons
- Wavell managed to get 450,000 tons
- Wavell managed to pull India’s resources together something no viceroy had done in a long time and spoke to province leaders and get them to work together!!!
- death toll high but would have been worse without Wavell
- major embarrassment for Raj
127
Q
impact of the SWW on nationalism
A
- effect on Britain’s ability to maintain the Raj
- intensified pre-war trends that suggested India could be strong independent state
- British investment in India fell since 30s
- India importing less and less from Britain
- reserve bank of India (1931) set strong rupee
- Indian army modern, competent, strong
- Britain could no longer afford to keep India and India no longer needed Britain
- India was no longer the jewel in crown or economic powerhouse due to years of satyagraha’s and non-cooperation
