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India Seeks Self-Rule
British Colonial Rule
Viceroy - governor of country or province who rule as the representative of his or her king or sovereign.
British officials held the top positions in the civil service and army.
India became the “brightest jewel” in the crown of their empire. Made India adopt Western technology and Western Culture
Unequal Partnership
Britain built roads and an impressive railroad network This transportation system helped Britain transport factory
made goods and natural resources
British introduced medical improvements and new farming methods This led to rapid population growth and put a strain on the
food supply. The food supply was further strained by the fact that the
British pushed for the growing of cash crops such as cotton and jute.
In the late 1800s terrible famines swept across India.
Benefits of British Rule
The British revised the legal system to promote justice for Indians regardless of class or caste.
Railroads helped with transportation and the telegraph and postal system improved communication.
Greater contact helped bridge regional differences and develop a sense of national unity
Caste System
Indian Nationalism Grows
By the 1800s, Western educated Indians were spear-heading a nationalist movement. Schooled in Western Ideals such as democracy and equality, they dreamed of ending imperial rule. Led to the creation of the Indian National Congress
(Congress party) in 1885 Muslim League was created in 1906
Indian Nationalism Grows
Tensions in India were high in the early 1900’s
Escalated post-WWI
Protests were occurring against British rule Some British families were attacked British General Reginald Dyer banned public meetings
Steps toward Independence
1919 – Government of India Act – allowed for small percentage of wealthy to vote and introduced national parliament with two houses
This act also stated that a commission would be held in 1929 to see if India was ready for more concessions/ reforms
The British still maintained control of all central government and in the provisional government, the British maintained control of all key posts of tax and law and order. Many British were against India’s self-rule
Amritsar Massacre
Reforms were slow and riots broke out all across India
The Amritsar Massacre occurred on April 13, 1919 People gathered in Jallianwala Bagh-garden to conduct a
peaceful meeting General Reginald Dyer, a British commander, and 50
soldiers opened fire on unarmed innocent men, women, and children 379 killed and over 1,100 wounded This resulted in Indians see “evil” of British rule and
start quest for independence. Rush for Indians to join the Indian National Conference
Mohandas Gandhi
He became the leader of the Congress party in 1914.
Launched series of nonviolent actions against British imperialists & urged Indians to “get rid of our own helplessness”
Gandhi’s Ways:
-Ahisma-non violence and reverence for all life
-Civil Disobedience-refusal of unjust laws.
-Key-Violence is never the answer-draws from Christian ideals-“turn the other cheek”
-Boycott-refused to buy British goods-especially cotton
Salt March
In 1930, Gandhi mobilized mass support to end British salt monopoly.
On March 12, Gandhi and 78 followers marched 240 miles to the sea. Along the way he spoke to the people of India, and by April 6, when he arrived at the sea, the numbers of marchers numbered in the thousands.
When he arrived at the sea he picked up sea salt!
Salt March
Gandhi encouraged others to join him in collecting salt.
He was quickly arrested. Tens of thousands of other marchers were imprisoned.
Stories spread throughout world about harsh British treatment Beating, clubbing, and jailing innocent marchers Britain embarrassed by actions.
Self-Rule…When?
1928, Simon Commission meets – 1930 proposed self government for provinces but nothing else
INC – found this unacceptable, especially since no Indians were part of Commission
Lord Irwin, the new Viceroy thought India should have dominion status and held two round table conferences, one in 1930 and one in 1931 Dominion – self-governing nation
Self-Rule…When? 1st round table failed – no INC members present – most were
in prison
2nd round tale – Gandhi was in attendance, however this round table broke down over the religious issue over the representation that Muslims would have in an independent Indian Parliament.
1935 Government of India Act introduced – elected Indian assembly to have a say in everything except Defense and Foreign Affairs – 11 provincial assemblies were to have full control over local affairs. Nationals still unhappy as it didn’t introduce dominion status which would
allow for control of defense and foreign policies Problems – Indian princes wouldn’t listen to assemblies and allow for
their control and religious rivalry. About 2/3rds of India were Hindu and 1/3rd were Muslim
Self-Rule…When?
1937 Hindus under Jawaharlal Nehru won 8 of 11 provinces
Muslims gather under Muhammad Jinnah and demand a separate state of Pakistan
WWII puts the issues in India on hold and Britain promises dominion status for India once the war ends
Self-rule…When? Gov. General of India-Lord Wavell invited Nehru to form
interim govt. in Aug 1946
Nehru included two Muslims in interim government this did not stop violence
Jinnah was convinced that Nehru couldn't’t be trusted and called on Muslims to take direct action to get an independent Muslim state.
Violence spread and over 5000 people were killed in Calcutta and India descended into Civil War.
1947-Prime Minister of Britain-Clement Atlee announced Britain would leave India no later than 1948.
New Viceroy-Lord Mountbatten said peace could only be achieved if partition was introduced and delays would increase violence.
Indian Independence
Indian Independence was signed in August of 1947. This created India and Pakistan.
Violence erupted as people moved to these new provinces.
By end of 1947, violence seemed to subside.
In1948 Gandhi was assassinated.
