EUROPEAN RETREAT FROM EMPIRE AND THE AFTERMATH

Chapter 3 British Withdrawal from India 1945 – 1947

Why is this chapter important? This chapter contains the case study: British Withdrawal from India, Syllabus Elements: Implications of World War II for European Role in Asia. Independence struggles and the reactions of the European powers.

Key Personality Mohandas Gandhi Key Concepts: Colonial Rule Decolonisation

Key Questions: How did the independence movement develop prior to World War II? What impact did World War II have on British rule in India? Why did divisions emerge between Muslims and Hindus? What decisions did Britain make after the war about India? Why was there so much violence when India was partitioned?

Key Question: How did the independence movement develop prior to World War II? British India called the Raj since 1858 – ruled by a viceroy – “Jewel in the Crown”. Native princes controlled about a fifth of the country – puppet rulers controlled by the British. In the 1920s Gandhi had turned the Indian National Congress into a mass political movement using non-violent protest. He organised a series of peaceful campaigns against British rule - most famous action Salt March to Dandi in 1930.

Internationally he came to symbolise the Indian struggle for independence and his actions were very embarrassing for the British. When Gandhi tried to organise a "Quit India" campaign against British rule in 1942, he was arrested and detained in jail for the duration of World War II. Jawaharlal Nehru was another prominent leader.

Reaction of the British to Indian Nationalism The Government of India Act (1935) gave India self- government at provincial level with elected assemblies. Elections held in 1937 for the provincial assemblies resulted in a sweeping victory for the Congress party throughout India. Britain refused to give India greater independence. They wanted to keep India part of the Empire with control of foreign policy and the King as head of state.

Key Question: What impact did World War II have on British rule in India? The cost of the war had reduced Britain's military and economic power in both Europe and Asia. The loss of Singapore in 1942 had undermined its military and strategic position in the East, and also showed that British power was vulnerable. The US now replaced the British as the most important power in Asia. They were opposed to imperialism and more concerned with the threat posed by communism than in supporting the British Empire.

Key Question: Why had divisions emerged between Muslims and Hindus? Hindus were 70 per cent of the population and in an independent India Muslims would always be in a minority. In 1906 the Muslim League had been founded to defend the rights of Muslims in India. During the 20s and 30s Congress and the League co-operated. As prospect of independence increased, divisions deepened between both communities. It was the reality of Congress’s rule in provincial assemblies after the elections of 1937 that caused many Muslims to turn to the League, e.g. cow slaughter banned.

Leader of the Muslim League: Mohammed Ali Jinnah 1940 The Lahore Resolution called for an independent Muslim nation or Pakistan - made up of areas with Muslim majorities in the Northwest and Northeast of India. Real controversy over the provinces of Punjab and Bengal - claimed by both sides.

Key Question: After the war what decisions did Britain make about India? Elected in the post-war election in 1945 the Labour government led by Clement Attlee announced it would withdraw from India. The British hoped to leave India as peacefully (and as quickly!) as possible. Faced a major problem – the conflict between the Congress Party and the Muslim League: - Congress wanted a single Indian state. - The Muslim League wanted a separate state for Muslims.

Elections were held that confirmed the desire among Muslims for an independent Pakistan → Muslim League won in Muslim areas. In 1946 a three-man Cabinet Mission proposed a federal solution to keep India united – preferred British option. Proposal rejected but Interim government formed to conduct negotiations on India’s future. Tensions increased → In August 1946 violence broke out in Calcutta between Hindus and Muslims - spread especially in Bengal and the Punjab. In February 1947 British announced June 1948 as date for withdrawal and Lord Mountbatten was appointed Viceroy.

Key Question: Why was there so much violence when India was partitioned? In June 1947 negotiations between Indian leaders led to the Mountbatten Plan. Resulted in the partition of India – Two new states created: Pakistan and India. Date of Indian independence brought forward to August In August Radcliffe Boundary Commission divided the disputed provinces of Punjab and Bengal.

Wide-scale communal violence erupted - 1 million dead and many millions made refugees. Communal violence was worst in the religiously-mixed Punjab. War also soon followed between India and Pakistan over the province of Kashmir. Gandhi worked hard to promote peace and end the violence - this annoyed extremist Hindus and on the 30 January, 1948 he was assassinated.