Topic 3: Consultation and Confrontation (1930-1942) Flashcards
What was the reason for the Second Round Table Conference, September-December 1931, and who attended?
The Second Round Table Conference had similar motives to the first: providing reassurance to the nationalists that changes would be made. However, the key difference was the presence of Gandhi as the sole representative of the INC.
Sir Samuel Hoare, a staunchly Conservative politician who was Secretary of State, chaired the conference. Bhimrao Ambedkag represented the ‘untouchables’ and Iqbal, the Aga Khan, also attended, along with Jinnah as representative of the Muslim League.
What was decided at the conference?
Nothing was concretely decided on due to the constant disagreements instigated by Gandhi claiming that he and the INC should be the voice for India in these matters. Gandhi didn’t want a large number of minority representatives as it would be more difficult for decisions to be made, which angered many due to the arrogance this mindset denoted, particularly for Ambedkah. He was enraged as Gandhi singled him out and questioned his right to fight for separate electorate because ‘untouchables‘ were Hindus, and should therefore be under the umbrella of the INC, who were Hindu dominated. The Muslim League also protested against Gandhi’s attempt to represent all of India due to the clear religious divides.
Why did Gandhi agree to visit Britain?
As part of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact of 1931, Gandhi promised to attend the Second Round Table Conference in order to discuss the state of India, guaranteeing a representative from India’s largest nationalist organisation. He also travelled to select areas in order to advocate his cause and get conversations going about the state of affairs in India.
How was Gandhi received by the British?
People were bemused by Gandhi due to his appearance and clothing, particularly due to its impracticality during the colder months, but were also fascinated to see such a prominent political figure. Whilst not everyone agreed with Gandhi and his policies, everyone was certainly intrigued by him, especially due to his unlikely physique and stature for an individual of such grandeur.
Where in Britain did Gandhi visit, and why?
Gandhi visited a number of locations in Britain, including West Sussex in order to meet with the Bishop of Chichester due his advocation of peace, which aligns with Gandhi’s ‘ahimsa’ approach to protesting. He also met with C.P. Scott, the editor of ‘The Guardian’ - a renowned newspaper typically read by educated individuals to get more influential figures onside. He also travelled to Bagnor in Wales and Darwen in Lancashire, which were traditional producers of clothing using cotton mills. He perceives that the workers are being exploited and blames big companies for the decline in the cloth industry, which aligns with his emphasis on living a ‘swaraj’ lifestyle.
To what extent is Gandhi to blame for the failure of the Second Round Table Conference?
Gandhi is greatly to blame for the failure of the Conference as he monopolised the meeting and wanted to speak for all of India when he of all people should understand the nuanced nature of fighting for freedom as all social groups have their own demands that are hardly met with ease. Gandhi wanted a united India, including minority groups who wanted separate electorates, and saw the Conferences as Britain attempting to ‘divide and conquer’, but his actions came across as arrogant and ultimately resulted in the failure of the Conference.
Summarise the main actions and events under Viceroy Irwin and assess his viceroyship
Viceroy Irwin oversaw the Simon Commission, the creation of the Nehru Report, the First Round Table Conference, Jinnah’s two attempts at rapprochement with the INC and Gandhi’s third satyagraha.
The Irwin Declaration in 1929 also confirmed that the previous events of chaos throughout the 1920s was all working towards dominion status but was vague regarding timelines and purposely ignored horrific events. The Gandhi-Irwin Pact of 1931 also release Indian political prisoners in exchange for Gandhi’s presence at the Second Round Table Conference for the INC, showing that he could negotiate with nationalists but ultimately led to the failure of the Second Round Table Conference.
Summarise the main actions and events under Viceroy Willingdon and assess his viceroyship
Viceroy Willingdon oversaw the Second and Third Round Table Conferences, the Communal Awards, the Poona Pact and the passing of the Government of India Act 1935.
Viceroy Willingdon was much more Conservative as far less sympathetic towards Gandhi and the cause of nationalists than his predecessor. He stated he wa so not willing to work with nationalists conforming to the Raj administration and proved this when he arrested Gandhi after he returned to India after the carnage that was the Second Round Table Conference, where the issues were instigated by Gandhi.
Outline the details of the Communal Award
The Communal Award was announced by Prime Minuster Ramsey Macdonald on 16 August 1932 and had to be incorporated into any new India Constitution immediately, piquing the interest of Indian nationalists. It recognises Sikhs, Indian Christians, Anglo Indians and ‘untouchables’ as separate classes that were entitled to separate electorates. Muslims were also recognised as a separate class and were also entitled to separate electorates in the event of a new Indian Constitution.
Why was Gandhi so opposed to the Communal Award?
Gandhi had never been in favour of separate electorate but because untouchables were included as those rehiring separate electorates was the final straw. Gandhi had been advocating to eradicate untouchability for years and argued that because they were also Hindus that they should unify under the INC against the British. He perceived this as an insult to the ‘swaraj’ movement and believed that the British wanted to weaken the INC by dividing them and making it more difficult to make decisions as a group with the presence of separate electorates.
