My fierce padlet by Jierui Shi

World War I (1914-1918)

jiesh2027_2 — 2024-11-19 01:18:27 UTC

World War I greatly helped in increasing Indian nationalism. India had given much to the British war effort-soldiers, resources, financial backing. But India's requests for political reform and greater self-government were largely rejected once the war had been won. This general feeling of disappointment regarding the fulfillment of British promises was, hence, the paved way to unrest. The war initiated economic hardship in India, which increased dissatisfaction with colonial rule. This frustration thus contributed to an upsurge of more radical movements of nationalism, inclusive of the Non-Cooperation Movement, which reached its apotheosis with events like the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

Wall Street Crash and Great Depression (1929)

jiesh2027_2 — 2024-11-19 01:20:05 UTC

• Economic decline and reduced exports

• Job losses and widespread poverty

• British colonial government blamed for economic struggles

• Fostered resentment and demands for self-rule

Atlantic Charter (1941)

jiesh2027_2 — 2024-11-19 01:20:31 UTC

• Contradiction in British support for global self-determination but not for India

• Moral boost for Indian nationalist movements

• Encouraged Indian demands for independence through ideological support

Partition of Bengal (1905)

jiesh2027_2 — 2024-11-19 01:20:57 UTC

The Partition of Bengal in 1905, advocated by Viceroy Lord Curzon, divided Bengal into Muslim-ruled East Bengal and Hindu-ruled West Bengal on the plea of administrative efficiency. The latent "divide and rule" policy would weaken nationalism through religious dividing. The decision brought about an upsurge of hostile demonstrations and united the Indians for the Swadeshi movement of boycotting British goods. The reversal of the partition in 1911 did not lower the height of the tide in nationalist ferment and heated the Indian struggle for independence.

British Establish Political Control (1950)

jiesh2027_2 — 2024-11-19 01:21:19 UTC

It was by a series of political victories, of which the Battle of Plassey in 1757 was the first, that the East India Company began establishing political control over India through influencing territories, levying taxes, and exploiting natural resources. Parliament had intervened, especially following the Indian Rebellion of 1857, to dissolve the Company and bring India directly under the British Crown rule in 1858. While building of infrastructure such as railways and telegraphs had taken place, these had generally served the needs of imperialism-extracting the country's wealth to benefit Britain. Traditional industries declined, and with this came overall poverty and resentment. While the British imposition of Western laws and education fostered an Indian elite to become English-speaking, it also encouraged a nationalist movement for self-governance that gained independence for India in 1947.

World War II

ruji2021_1 — 2024-11-19 01:27:30 UTC

During World War II, India had mixed reactions to its involvement. Millions of Indian soldiers and workers were deployed in Europe, North Africa, and Asia. However, the Indian National Congress, led by figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, opposed India's participation in the war without any promise of independence. Gandhi, a leader of non-violence, and Nehru, who strongly advocated for freedom, both resisted British actions. Subhas Chandra Bose, another key nationalist, broke from Congress and aligned with Germany and Japan, forming the Indian National Army (INA) to fight for India’s independence. The British Viceroy involved India in the war without consulting Indian leaders, causing further discontent.

Indian National Congress

ruji2021_1 — 2024-11-19 01:27:51 UTC

What is it? The Indian National Congress (INC) was a political party in India which was closely associated with the struggle for independence from British rule in the country. What happened? The INC focused on various movements, campaigns, negotiations, and protests to achieve the self-governance of India and later independence, especially during British rule in the 20th century. Who is it? The INC included some prominent leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and other important figures who were in support of political changes and nonviolent movements. What did they do? Some of the movements organized by the INC were the Non-Cooperation Movement, the Civil Disobedience Movement, and Quit India Movement. These endeavors mobilized countless Indians, who put pressure on the British who were eventually obliged to grant India independence in 1947.

Civil Disobedience

ruji2021_1 — 2024-11-19 01:28:07 UTC

The Civil Disobedience Movement was an important campaign in the Indian freedom struggle, which was characterized by deliberate violations of the laws and orders of the British colonial government. How did things happen? The movement led by Mahatma Gandhi started in 1930 with the ‘Salt March’ where Gandhi together with his followers marched to the Arabian sea to make salt in protest against British salt laws. This act led to a nationwide participation in the salt campaign including boycotts of British products, refusal to pay taxes, and peace.

Who is he? Mahatma Gandhi was the leader of the movement whose efforts were supported by the Indian National Congress and millions of fellow Indians from diverse sections of the society. What steps did they take? Non-violent opposition and mass mobilization was encouraged by Gandhi and other leaders of the movement in defiance of British rule. The movement brought the entire population as one to resist colonialism, giving the British a headache and gaining the world’s attention to the cause of India’s independence.

Gandhi visits Britain

ruji2021_1 — 2024-11-19 01:28:22 UTC

In 1931, Gandhi was sent to Britain to attend the Second Round Table Conference in London, leading the Indian National Congress in talks on the future of India during British rule. It was the most thrilling epoch in the Indian fight for freedom. During that visit, Gandhi created a sensation by donning typical Indian garb. He lectured on self-rule for India, met with political figures, and sought to raise awareness about British colonial impacts. His presence brought the independence movement of India right before the world to see; he depicted non-violent resistance and Indian identity.

Quit India campaign

ruji2021_1 — 2024-11-19 01:28:34 UTC

The Quit India Campaign was the movement of mass civil disobedience against British rule in India, started by Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress in August 1942, to insist upon an immediate withdrawal of the British colonial rule from India. This "Do or Die" speech-inspired path of non-violent resistance and mass civil disobedience by millions took shape from the mouth of Gandhi. Their response was brutal with the immediate arrest of the leaders, suppression of protests. Still, it galvanized Indian nationalism. The struggle marked an important step toward independence, creating countrywide unity and resistance to British rule.

Amritsar Massacre

jizhe20271 — 2024-11-19 01:31:16 UTC

Brigadier General Reginald Dyer's British troops opened fire on a sizable contingent of Indians who had gathered to commemorate the Baisakhi festival and to demonstrate against a new British law that restricted their liberties. Without warning, the troops began shooting and blocked the only exits. According to official reports, 379 people were killed and roughly 1,200 were injured, but many people think the actual numbers were much higher. This incident infuriated a lot of Indians and motivated them to fight even harder to free themselves from British domination. It demonstrated how cruel the British could be and the need for independence. One of the most significant and tragic moments in the struggle for Indian independence is the Amritsar Massacre.

Gandhi

jizhe20271 — 2024-11-19 01:31:38 UTC

Gandhi is a major leader from India who is famous for his non-violent fight for India's independence from British rule. Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, India, Gandhi became a lawyer and then spent many years in South Africa fighting against racial injustice. When he returned to India, he led several peaceful protests that made him a key figure in the Indian National Congress. Some of his most famous movements include the Non-Cooperation Movement, the Salt March, and the Quit India Movement. Gandhi believed in living simply, making his own clothes, eating vegetarian meals, and using fasting as a way to protest and purify himself. Sadly, he was assassinated in 1948, just after India became independent. His birthday is now celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti in India and the International Day of Non-Violence worldwide. Gandhi's ideas about peace and non-violence have inspired many people around the globe.

Non-Cooperation Movement

jizhe20271 — 2024-11-19 01:31:57 UTC

On August 1st, 1920, the Non-cooperation Movement initiated by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi which formed the core on fights for Independence for the people of India. Gandhi initiated this movement using the principle of Satyagraha- the resistance of oppression through non-violence. He sought to avert fear by ascertaining the Americans that Indians had the capability of ruling themselves by boycotting all British goods and services. People from different parts of India participated in common Indian action as they boycotted British authorities and administration, British educational institutions, and British manpower. Leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Azad, Vallabhbhai Patel, and others helped in organizing the movement. It was going fine until one of the most violent events in history known as the Chauri Chaura incident of 1922 occurred. This went against Gandhi’s non-violent ethos and therefore, the movement was called to a halt. The movement finally came to a halt but it did make the British realize that they could not be the colonial masters of India as they had originally anticipated and it laid a foundation for more strides to be made in striving for India’s freedom.

Viceroy declares India will fight with Britain

jizhe20271 — 2024-11-19 01:32:12 UTC

In 1939, Lord Linlithgow, the Viceroy of India, announced that India would support Britain in World War II by providing troops and resources, without asking Indian leaders for their opinions. This decision angered leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi, who saw it as another sign that India had no real control under British rule. This frustration led to protests, including the Quit India Movement in 1942, which increased support for independence. Many Indians believed that their help in the war strengthened their argument for freedom, ultimately pushing the country closer to independence.

Britain is in debt to India after WWII

jizhe20271 — 2024-11-19 01:32:27 UTC

Britain owes India approximately £1.3 billion for the use of Indian troops and supplies during World War II. But India's immediate access to funds was restricted due to Britain's financial difficulties. Particularly after India gained independence in 1947 and desired authority over its own finances, this led to tension. India pushed for full repayment, while Britain gradually paid back some of the debt through trade agreements over the ensuing decades. This circumstance demonstrated how post-war Britain's economy was in poor shape and how former colonies, such as India, were growing increasingly autonomous.