Exam TD Flashcards
About the questions other groups had (243 cards)
1
Q
Why was the Cape of Good Hope strategically important?
A
It was a key route to India for trade and naval power.
2
Q
When did the British take control of the Cape of Good Hope?
A
In 1797.
3
Q
What freedoms were introduced by British settlers in the 1820s?
A
Freedom of the press.
4
Q
When did the Cape colony gain self-government?
A
In 1872.
5
Q
When was the Cape colony fully annexed by the British?
A
In 1806.
6
Q
What significant event happened to the Dutch East India Company in 1796?
A
It was declared bankrupt.
7
Q
How did British control change the economic system at the Cape colony?
A
The regimented Dutch system was replaced by integration into Britain’s international trading empire.
8
Q
What social reforms did the British introduce regarding race and labor?
A
They called for improvements in the treatment of colored and black servants working for the Boers.
9
Q
When was slavery abolished at the Cape colony?
A
In 1835.
10
Q
What form of government was established in the Cape colony in 1853?
A
A representative government not based on color.
11
Q
Why did many Boers leave the Cape colony?
A
They opposed British economic, social, and political changes and sought to escape British influence.
12
Q
What was the name of the Boers’ migration away from British control?
A
The Great Trek.
13
Q
Approximately how many Boers participated in the Great Trek?
A
About 12,000 Afrikaners.
14
Q
What was a key cultural difference between the British and the Boers?
A
The Boers maintained a strict, regimented economic and social system, while the British promoted more liberal reforms.
15
Q
In Mandela’s speech at the opening of the Rivonia trial in 1964, what two ways does he say are essential to break out of poverty?
A
- Formal education
- Greater skill at work for workers and thus better wages
16
Q
Which PM abolished the pass laws and when ?
A
Peter Botha in 1986
17
Q
Who founded the ANC Youth League in 1944?
A
Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, and Walter Sisulu.
18
Q
When was the Doctrine of Lapse abolished?
A
1858
19
Q
How many Boer Wars were there between the Boers and the British?
A
Two (1880–1881 and 1899–1902).
20
Q
What was the First Boer War also known as?
A
The Transvaal Rebellion.
21
Q
What form of resistance did the Boers initially use?
A
Passive resistance.
22
Q
Why were the Boers opposed to the influx of gold prospectors?
A
Most were British and they threatened Afrikaner political control.
23
Q
Why did the First Boer War begin?
A
The Boers resisted British annexation of their republic (Transvaal).
24
Q
When did the Boers turn to armed resistance in the First Boer War?
A
December 1880.
25
What was the outcome of the First Boer War?
The Boers defeated the British, with the final defeat at Majuba Hill.
26
Who was the British Prime Minister during the First Boer War?
Cecil Rhodes.
27
Who was the President of Transvaal during the First Boer War?
Paul Kruger.
28
Why did the British want to unify South Africa under their control?
For political stability and greater economic integration, especially after the discovery of diamonds and gold.
29
When was gold discovered in Transvaal?
In 1886.
30
What measures did the Boers take to limit Uitlander political influence?
They imposed strict franchise qualifications, including a 14-year residency requirement.
31
How much of the taxes were paid by Uitlanders?
9/10 of the taxes.
32
Who was the British colonial secretary who pushed for war against the Boers?
Joseph Chamberlain (since 1895).
33
When did the Second Boer War begin?
October 1899.
34
What triggered the Second Boer War?
Kruger issued an ultimatum to the British, leading to war.
35
What policy did Kitchener adopt to weaken the Boer resistance?
The scorched-earth policy (terre-brûlée).
36
Which two generals turned the tide of the war for the British?
Lord Roberts and Lord Kitchener.
37
Why did the British initially struggle in the Second Boer War?
The Boers were experienced fighters, familiar with the land, and well-armed.
38
What brutal measure did the British use during the Second Boer War?
Racially separate concentration camps.
39
How many Boer women and children died in concentration camps?
26,000.
40
What was the impact of the concentration camps on British public opinion?
It caused a political scandal and led some politicians to oppose imperialism.
41
How many black and colored South Africans died in concentration camps?
14,000.
42
When did the Second Boer War end?
March 1902.
43
What treaty ended the Second Boer War?
The Treaty of Vereeniging (May 31, 1902).
44
Why were the Boers seen as the real winners of the Second Boer War?
The peace terms were generous despite their defeat.
45
What were the terms of the Treaty of Vereeniging?
Generous peace settlement, but the Boer republics came under British control.
46
When was the Population Registration Act passed in South Africa?
1950
47
How many racial categories did the Population Registration Act create?
Four
48
Why is the Second Boer War also called the South African War?
It involved the entire population of South Africa, including whites and blacks.
49
Who were classified as "Colored people" under the Population Registration Act?
People who were not classified as white or native.
50
Who were classified as "White people" under the Population Registration Act?
People who in appearance were obviously white or were generally accepted as white (unless they were generally accepted as colored).
51
Who were classified as "Native people" under the Population Registration Act?
People who were factually or generally accepted as members of any aboriginal race or tribe of Africa.
52
How did the Population Registration Act affect people’s rights and opportunities?
It stripped political, social, and educational rights from non-white groups.
53
Were Indians included in the classification system?
Yes, Indians were a separate group under the act.
54
Who were classified under "Ethnic or other group" under the Population Registration Act?
Groups prescribed and defined by the Governor-General.
55
What effect did the Population Registration Act have on social status?
A person’s social status was determined by their racial classification, with white people holding the highest status.
56
How did the racial classification affect education opportunities?
Education opportunities were largely determined by racial classification, with non-white groups receiving inferior education.
57
How did the Population Registration Act affect political participation?
Non-white groups were denied political representation and voting rights.
58
When did the Sharpeville Massacre take place?
March 21, 1960.
59
Where did the Sharpeville Massacre happen?
Sharpeville, a black township near Johannesburg, South Africa.
60
What were the demonstrators protesting against in Sharpeville?
The pass laws and pass books.
61
Who organized the demonstration in Sharpeville?
The Pan-Africanist Congress (PAC).
62
Why did the police open fire on the crowd?
The protestors started throwing stones, which scared the police.
63
How many people participated in the Sharpeville protest?
Over 3,000, possibly up to 5,000 people.
64
How many people were killed in the Sharpeville Massacre?
69 anti-pass laws protestors.
65
How were many of the victims shot during the Sharpeville Massacre?
Many were shot in the back as they were running away.
66
How many people were wounded in the Sharpeville Massacre?
Around 200 people.
67
What immediate action did the South African government take after the massacre?
A state of emergency was declared.
68
What new law was introduced after Sharpeville?
Detention without trial.
69
What did the ANC decide to do after the Sharpeville Massacre?
The ANC turned to armed struggle against the South African government.
70
What happened to black political organizations after the massacre?
They were banned, and leaders were arrested or went into exile.
71
What was the outcome of the inquiry into the Sharpeville Massacre?
It was found that the police had wrongfully opened fire and had to compensate the victims.
72
Who held the economic power in South Africa after Sharpeville?
The white minority.
73
What major social changes followed the Sharpeville Massacre?
- More repression
- Further segregation
- Focus on racial purity
- Ban on interracial marriages
74
Why was South Africa strongly criticized by the early 1960s?
For its apartheid policies.
75
Which international body declared apartheid a danger to world peace?
The United Nations.
76
What is the period after the Sharpeville Massacre known as in South Africa’s history?
The "dark age" of South Africa.
77
Which political leader played a key role in South Africa's departure from the Commonwealth?
John Diefenbaker, Prime Minister of Canada.
78
Why did South Africa leave the Commonwealth in 1961?
In response to demands to end apartheid, South Africa was forced out and became increasingly isolated.
79
When did South Africa become a republic?
March 15, 1961.
80
What major political change occurred when South Africa became a republic?
A nominated president replaced the governor-general of the Union, ending ties with the British Crown.
81
Who was the leader of South Africa when it became a republic?
Hendrik Verwoerd.
82
What new national symbols were introduced when South Africa became a republic?
- A new currency (rand)
- A new flag
- A new anthem
- A new coat of arms
83
How did the transition to a republic affect apartheid?
Apartheid became more violent and was left unimpaired (not weakened).
84
What happened to opposition groups in South Africa after 1961?
They were banned, activists were imprisoned, and some fled the country.
85
What type of resistance emerged in South Africa after 1961?
An underground armed struggle for black and mixed-race liberation.
86
When were Nelson Mandela and other ANC leaders put on trial?
1964
87
What charges were brought against Mandela and other ANC leaders in 1964?
Sabotage and trying to obstruct the government.
88
What was the outcome of the trial of Mandela and other ANC leaders?
They were sentenced to life imprisonment.
89
When was the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) appointed?
1995
90
Who led the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)?
Desmond Tutu, the first black Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town.
91
What was the aim of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission?
To uncover the truth about human rights violations during apartheid and promote reconciliation.
92
Why was the TRC established instead of holding multiple trials?
To avoid the expense and difficulty of numerous trials.
93
How could individuals avoid prosecution under the TRC?
By admitting their responsibilities.
94
What happened to those who refused to admit responsibility?
They had to go through the legal process.
95
What spirit was the TRC meant to embody?
Transparency and reconciliation.
96
When did the TRC hearings take place?
From 1996 to 1998.
97
Who gave testimonies during the TRC hearings?
Both victims of apartheid and officials responsible for apartheid.
98
How were the TRC hearings made accessible to the public?
They were broadcast on television.
99
What difficult situations occurred during the TRC hearings?
Victims sometimes met their torturers face-to-face.
100
What did the final report of the TRC reveal?
The government had institutionalized violence during apartheid.
101
Did the TRC criticize any groups besides the government?
Yes, it also criticized some groups that fought against apartheid.
102
Did all government officials cooperate with the TRC?
No, some officials like President Botha refused to appear before it.
103
What were the three main conditions to be granted amnesty by the TRC?
- The act, omission, or offence had a political objective.
- The act, omission, or offence took place between 1 March 1960 and the cut-off date in the interim Constitution.
- Full disclosure of the truth.
104
What did "full disclosure" require?
Revealing the full truth as understood, including political motivation and good faith (e.g., following governmental orders).
105
What was the timeframe for the acts eligible for amnesty?
March 1960 to May 1990.
106
How many amnesty applications were submitted, and how many were successful?
Out of 7,000 applications, only 1,000 were successful.
107
What is the meaning of "ubuntu"?
"I am because you are" — A person is a person through others.
108
What cultural value does "ubuntu" reflect?
African humanism — the essence of interconnected humanity.
109
Why was Desmond Tutu chosen to preside over the TRC?
He represented both African and Christian values (confession, forgiveness, and clemency).
110
How was the amnesty process linked to the concept of "ubuntu"?
It reflected the traditional African approach to justice and reconciliation based on humanity and interconnectedness.
111
What did the Natives Land Act of 1913 establish?
It set up "reserves" where Black South Africans were required to live and prohibited them from purchasing or renting land outside those areas.
112
Why was the Natives Land Act of 1913 considered a turning point in African-European relations?
It forced hundreds of thousands of Africans off land they owned or were squatting on, making it compulsory for them to live in reserves.
113
What percentage of South Africa’s land surface did the "homelands" eventually cover?
About 13% of South Africa’s land surface.
114
What was the "job colour bar" policy introduced in the mines?
Black Africans were prohibited from being hired for skilled labor jobs, which were reserved for white workers.
115
Were Black African miners allowed to organize under the "job colour bar" policy?
No, they were not given the right to organize.
116
How did the Natives Land Act reinforce segregation?
It confined Black South Africans to "homelands" controlled by the Union of South Africa, restricting land ownership and residency rights.
117
What does the term "apartheid" mean and in which language?
Apartheid" means "apartness" in Afrikaans, referring to the policy of racial separation.
118
Who laid the foundation for apartheid, and when was he in power?
Dr. Daniel Malan, the National Prime Minister from 1948 to 1954, laid the foundation for apartheid.
119
What did the Prohibition of Mixed Marriages Act (1949) enforce?
It prohibited marriages between people of different races.
120
What was the Immorality Amendment Act (1950, amended in 1957)?
It criminalized sexual relations between people of different races.
121
What was the purpose of the Population Registration Act (1950)?
It classified South Africans into racial categories: White, Native, Colored, and Indian.
122
What was the Group Areas Act (1950)?
It assigned different residential areas ("homelands") for different races and legalized segregation.
123
What did the Suppression of Communism Act (1950) do?
It banned communist activities and any opposition to the apartheid regime under the guise of communism.
124
What was the Bantu Building Workers Act (1951)?
It limited Black South Africans to working in unskilled labor jobs in the construction sector.
125
What did the Separate Representation of Voters Act (1951) enforce?
It removed the voting rights of Colored people from the common voters' roll.
126
What did the Prevention of Illegal Squatting Act (1951) establish?
It criminalized squatting on both public and private land.
127
What was the Bantu Authorities Act (1951)?
It established Black "homelands" and local government structures under white control.
128
What was the Afrikaner Broederbond?
A secret society (founded in 1918) that promoted Afrikaner nationalist interests and guided apartheid policies.
129
What was the role of the ANC Youth League?
It led the struggle against apartheid in the decades to follow.
130
When was the Group Areas Act created, and why is this date significant in modern South Africa?
It was created on 27th of April 1950, which is now celebrated as Freedom Day in South Africa.
131
What was the main purpose of the Group Areas Act?
To split racial groups and segregate residential areas by race.
132
Who benefited the most from the Group Areas Act?
The white population (15% of the total) was granted 84% of the land.
133
What percentage of land was allocated to the Black and Indian populations?
Only 16% of the land was given to 80% of the population.
134
What were the consequences of the land allocation under the Group Areas Act?
- Overcrowding
- Diseases
- Poverty
- Economic hardship
135
How did the Group Areas Act affect family life in Black communities?
Fathers often had to work away from home and could only return on weekends.
136
What happened to people living in the wrong area after the Group Areas Act was enforced?
They were forcibly removed unless they voluntarily relocated.
137
How many people were forced to leave their homes under the Group Areas Act?
3.5 million people, but only 2% were white, and they were moved to better areas.
138
Who replaced Malan as Prime Minister?
Hendrick Verwoerd
139
What did Verwoerd do in 1959 concerning the Group Areas Act?
He set aside smaller areas for the Black population, supposedly for self-rule.
140
Why was Verwoerd’s policy of separate lands for Black people unfair?
The land was of poor quality and not economically viable.
141
What was required for Black people to travel from their homelands to work?
They had to carry a pass that could be checked by police at any time.
142
Did all white politicians support the Group Areas Act?
No, some white politicians from other parties believed that Black South Africans should have a say in the country’s future.
143
How did the ruling National Party (NP) respond to opposition?
The NP ignored protests from both domestic and international sources.
144
When did Peter Botha become Prime Minister of South Africa?
In 1979
145
What was Peter Botha's nickname?
He was nicknamed the "Big White Crocodile".
146
What was Peter Botha's main goal during his leadership?
To keep apartheid while also trying to ease racial tensions.
147
Why did Peter Botha seek to ease racial tensions in South Africa?
Due to international pressure on South Africa and the growing internal tensions over apartheid.
148
What approach did Peter Botha take in response to racial tensions?
He introduced a reform period to address racial issues while maintaining apartheid.
149
What was the key goal of the reform era under Peter Botha?
The goal was to address international and national pressure while maintaining apartheid, leading to some limited reforms.
150
What significant change did Peter Botha introduce in 1983?
He created a tricameral parliament, which included separate chambers for Asians and colored people, but excluded Black South Africans.
151
What key apartheid law did Botha abolish in 1985?
He scrapped the apartheid law that forbade mixed marriages and sexual relations between whites and non-whites.
152
How did both whites and non-whites react to Botha's reforms?
- Some whites thought Botha was going too far.
- Non-whites felt that the reforms were insufficient.
153
What major event happened from 1984 to 1986 in South Africa?
A state of emergency was declared due to intense Black South African resistance against apartheid reforms, leading to violence, riots, and protests.
154
What happened during the Langa Massacre (Uitenhage) on March 21, 1985?
South African police shot and killed 19-21 Black South Africans during a funeral procession and protest against rent increases.
155
What was the effect of the Langa Massacre on South Africa?
It caused a shift in political sentiment, leading to national and worldwide shock, boycotts, and more clashes between communities and the police.
156
What happened in 1986 that impacted Black South Africans' identification?
The passbook laws requiring Blacks to carry identification were abolished on July 1, 1986.
157
How did Afrikaner nationalists view Botha's reforms?
They saw him as a reformer, willing to improve conditions for Blacks in areas like jobs, wages, and living conditions but still keeping political power in the hands of the white minority.
158
What was one significant measure Botha introduced during the reform period?
He allowed Black workers to form trade unions.
159
What was the state of South Africa in 1990 in terms of reforms?
Despite reforms, no substantial change had taken place for the Black population and their resistance persisted.
160
What happened to the ANC and PAC after their organizations were banned?
The ANC and PAC were forced underground, and new tactics, including armed struggle, were adopted.
161
What was the ANC's original stance on the use of violence?
The ANC had always advocated for non-violent methods and had debates over the use of violence.
162
How did older ANC leaders, like Chief Albert Luthuli, react to the shift toward violence?
Leaders like Chief Albert Luthuli, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, were troubled by the shift but acknowledged its inevitability.
163
What did Nelson Mandela say about the use of violence in the ANC's resistance?
In a famous underground speech, Mandela saw no alternative to violence after the government responded to peaceful protests with savage violence.
164
What political factors contributed to the Sepoy Rebellion?
- The Doctrine of Lapse: Adopted sons were not allowed to succeed their fathers' heritage, instead, it went to the East India Company.
- Increasing unemployment: Those who didn’t speak English were not accepted or employed.
165
What military causes led to the Sepoy Rebellion?
- Sepoy soldiers were treated as inferiors by the English.
- They were unhappy about being paid less than lower-ranking English soldiers.
- Rumors spread that sepoys would be forcibly converted to Christianity.
166
What social and religious causes sparked the rebellion?
- Westernization of India led to dissatisfaction.
- The abolition of certain practices, such as suttee (widow burning) and early marriage for girls, was seen as a threat to traditional Indian structures.
- The 1850 law encouraged conversion to Christianity.
167
What were the economic causes behind the Sepoy Rebellion?
- Economic exploitation by the British.
- The Industrial Revolution brought cheap goods that destroyed Indian industries.
- Landowners in rural areas were heavily taxed, and the East India Company enforced strict revenue collection methods.
168
Did all Indians participate in the rebellion?
Not all Indians participated in the rebellion, despite widespread dissatisfaction with British rule.
169
What significant change did the 1833 Government of India Act bring?
It ended the East India Company's trade monopoly, and the Company became the de facto government of India.
170
Who was the Governor-General of India in the late 1840s and 1850s?
Lord Dalhousie was the Governor-General during this period.
171
What was the Doctrine of Lapse?
- A policy used by Lord Dalhousie that allowed the British to acquire territory if an Indian ruler died without an heir or was deemed incompetent.
- This policy led to the British expanding their territory and income but caused unrest among the Indian population, who viewed it as illegitimate.
172
How did religious discord contribute to the rebellion?
- Christian missionaries were allowed into India, and many Indians feared the British wanted to convert the entire subcontinent to Christianity.
- Cultural clashes: The British tried to interfere with Indian customs, such as the practice of suttee (widow burning), which many Indians saw as an interference in their traditions.
173
What was one cultural practice that the British found barbaric and tried to interfere with?
The practice of suttee (widow burning) was considered barbaric by the British, and their efforts to interfere led to resentment among the Indian population.
174
How did the Doctrine of Lapse and religious discord contribute to the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857?
The Doctrine of Lapse angered Indian rulers, and the religious interference by the British contributed to the growing sense of resentment, which eventually led to the Sepoy Mutiny in 1857.
175
When was the Indian National Congress (INC) founded?
The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded in 1885.
176
Who was the British civil servant who helped establish the INC?
Alain Hume, a retired British civil servant, helped establish the INC.
177
What was the primary goal of the Indian National Congress when it was formed?
The INC initially sought economic reforms and wanted a larger role in shaping British policy for India. They did not want the British to lead India.
178
Who were the moderate leaders of the INC?
The moderates were led by Gokhale.
179
Who was Tilak, and why was he important in India's independence movement?
Tilak was a radical nationalist who demanded self-rule (Swaraj) and self-reliance. He played a key role in organizing communities during the famine of 1897 and was one of the first to take the nationalist message to the Indian masses.
180
What was the impact of the partition of Bengal in 1905?
The partition of Bengal in 1905 was an unpopular British measure to weaken nationalist opposition by dividing Bengal into Muslim-majority East Bengal and Hindu-majority West Bengal. This led to widespread boycotts of British goods by Hindus.
181
What was the response of the Muslim League to the rise of nationalism in India?
In 1906, the Muslim League requested separate electorates and increased legislative representation to protect Muslim interests in a predominantly Hindu India.
182
What was the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909?
The Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909 granted separate electorates for Muslims and increased Muslim representation in legislative councils, but it did not grant full self-government for India.
183
What was the Lucknow Pact of 1916?
The Lucknow Pact of 1916 was an agreement between the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Muslim League to coordinate their demands for a larger legislative role and powers in India.
184
What was the role of the Morley-Minto reforms in the nationalist movement?
The Morley-Minto reforms did not increase India's participation in legislative councils, especially at the provincial levels, and failed to grant the self-government that the INC demanded.
185
How did India contribute to the British war effort during World War I?
India contributed massively by providing 750,000 troops, financial support, and supplies such as wheat.
186
How many Indian troops fought in Europe during World War I, and how many were killed?
750,000 Indian troops fought in Europe, and 36,000 were killed.
187
What was the impact of World War I on the Indian population?
The war led to discontent due to the high loss of life, economic costs, and supply of goods for the British.
188
What were the Montagu and Montagu-Chelmsford Declarations?
The Montagu Declaration (1917) and the Montagu-Chelmsford Declaration (1918) signaled British acceptance of the possibility of home rule for India in response to growing nationalist demands.
189
What were the Rowlatt Acts of 1919?
The Rowlatt Acts gave the British authorities emergency powers to deal with revolutionary activities and agitators without trial. They included censorship of the press and the ability to jail individuals without trial.
190
Why were the Rowlatt Acts so unpopular in India?
The Rowlatt Acts were seen as oppressive, giving the British powers to suppress dissent and curtail freedoms without judicial oversight, leading to widespread protests.
191
What was the Amritsar Massacre of 1919?
The Amritsar Massacre occurred when General Dyer ordered British troops to fire on an unarmed crowd of 379 Indians, including men, women, and children, who had gathered in Jallianwala Bagh in protest against the Rowlatt Acts. Many were killed or wounded, and some jumped into wells to escape.
192
What triggered the Amritsar Massacre?
The massacre was triggered by the gathering of unarmed civilians, who were protesting against the Rowlatt Acts. A couple of days earlier, violence had occurred, including the beating of a British doctor and the burning of a church, which made the British troops nervous.
193
How did the Amritsar Massacre affect public opinion about British rule?
The massacre significantly shifted public opinion against British rule, causing outrage and leading to calls for independence.
194
How did Gandhi respond to the Amritsar Massacre?
Gandhi condemned the massacre, stating that cooperation with the British government was now sinful and led to a nationwide movement for Indian independence.
195
What was the significance of the Amritsar Massacre in India's struggle for independence?
The massacre marked a turning point in India's struggle for independence, shifting the approach of the Indian National Congress (INC) from seeking reforms to actively working to overthrow British rule.
196
What was the Salt March and when did Gandhi arrive at Dandi?
The Salt March began on 5th April when Gandhi arrived at Dandi, where he broke the Salt Law by picking up a small lamp of natural salt.
197
What did Gandhi encourage his followers to do during the Salt March?
Gandhi encouraged his followers to break the Salt Law by collecting salt, just as he had done.
198
What happened to Gandhi after the Salt March?
Gandhi was arrested and sent to jail, along with many of the people who participated in the march.
199
Why was the Salt March considered a success?
The Salt March gained significant publicity, including a cover story in Times magazine (America), and raised global awareness about the situation in India under British rule.
200
What was the significance of the Salt March on Gandhi's international recognition?
The Salt March brought Gandhi international attention, and he was invited to the Round Table Conference in London in 1931 to represent the Indian National Congress (INC) and discuss India's future.
201
What were the results of the Round Table Conference in 1931?
The conference proved to be inconclusive as different Indian communities, encouraged by the British, sent their representatives, claiming they did not want to live under the domination of the INC.
202
How was Gandhi not just a political leader, but also a social reformer?
Gandhi campaigned for social reforms, particularly for the untouchables (the lowest caste), and also engaged in hunger strikes for various causes.
203
Who were the "untouchables" in Indian society?
The untouchables were considered to be at the lowest level of the Hindu caste system, performing menial and often degrading jobs. They were seen as unclean by many in society.
204
What did Gandhi advocate for regarding the untouchables?
Gandhi campaigned for the eradication of caste untouchability and sought social reform for the untouchables, believing they deserved dignity and equality in society.
205
What does the name "Mahatma" mean and why was Gandhi given this title?
The title "Mahatma" means "Great Souled", and it was given to Gandhi because of his role as a spiritual guide and social reformer, similar to a Christian saint.
206
What incident led Gandhi to call off his civil disobedience campaign in 1922?
The Chauri Chaura incident, where followers of Gandhi used violence and burnt down a police station, killing 22 policemen.
207
Why did Gandhi call off his civil disobedience campaign after the Chauri Chaura incident?
Gandhi was totally against violence, and after the violent incident, he decided to call off the campaign to maintain the principles of non-violence.
208
What was the consequence for Gandhi after the Chauri Chaura incident?
Gandhi was put on trial for sedition and sentenced to 6 years imprisonment.
209
How long did Gandhi serve in prison after his conviction for sedition?
Gandhi served 2 years in prison due to ill health, and he was hospitalized during his sentence.
210
After his imprisonment, what did Gandhi focus on during his time away from politics?
After his release, Gandhi withdrew from politics for a time and worked on improving Hindu-Muslim relations, which had worsened.
211
What was the Non-Cooperation Movement led by Gandhi in 1920?
The Non-Cooperation Movement encouraged Indians to peacefully resist British rule through Satyagraha (non-violent civil disobedience) and aimed for Swaraj (self-rule).
212
How was the Non-Cooperation Movement linked to the Khilafat Movement (1919–1922)?
- The Non-Cooperation Movement was linked to the Khilafat Movement, where Indian Muslims, led by Shaukat Ali and Mohammad Ali Jauhar, protested the British plans to weaken the Ottoman Caliphate after World War I through the Treaty of Sèvres (1920).
- Gandhi supported the Khilafat cause to unite Hindus and Muslims against British rule.
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What caused the end of the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922?
- The movement ended after the Chauri Chaura incident on February 4, 1922, when protesters clashed with police.
- After police fired on the crowd, killing three protesters, the mob attacked the police station, setting it on fire and killing 22 policemen.
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Why did Gandhi call off the Non-Cooperation Movement after the Chauri Chaura incident?
Gandhi was shocked by the violence and believed the people were not ready for non-violent resistance, so he called off the movement on February 12, 1922.
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What happened to the Khilafat Movement after the Caliphate was abolished in Turkey?
The Khilafat Movement declined after Turkey abolished the Caliphate in 1924.
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What was the main goal of Gandhi's Salt March in 1930?
The goal was to protest against the British-imposed salt tax and to break the salt laws through a campaign of civil disobedience.
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Why was the salt tax so significant during British rule in India?
- The British monopolized the production and sale of salt, which was heavily taxed.
- Salt was essential for both the poor and the rich, making it a symbol of British exploitation.
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When did Gandhi begin his Salt March and how many followers did he start with?
Gandhi began the Salt March on March 12, 1930, with 78 followers and disciples.
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How long was the Salt March, and where did it end?
The Salt March was a 241-mile march that ended in the town of Dandi on the coast.
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How did the number of followers change during the Salt March?
As the march progressed, the number of followers increased each day, and by the time Gandhi reached Dandi, he was leading a huge crowd.
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How did Gandhi's Salt March become a symbol of resistance?
The march was a direct act of defiance against British rule, challenging the British monopoly on salt and encouraging mass participation in non-violent resistance.
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How did Britain involve India in World War II in 1939?
Britain declared war on Germany on India's behalf without consulting Indian leaders or the Indian people. This caused strong protests from the Indian National Congress (INC).
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How did the Indian National Congress (INC) respond to Britain’s decision to involve India in WWII?
Most nationalist leaders in the INC resigned in protest because India was involved without their consent. They were not against fighting the Germans but wanted to have self-determination in deciding their role.
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What was the British government’s rationale for involving India in WWII?
Britain needed India’s manpower and resources to fight in the war. They assumed that India would contribute similarly to how it had during World War I.
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What did the British government offer India in exchange for support during WWII?
The British government offered political concessions and promised to transfer power to India after the war, hoping to secure India’s cooperation.
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What was the Cripps Mission and what did it propose?
In 1942, British Foreign Minister Stafford Cripps visited India with an offer of independence after the war in exchange for Indian cooperation during WWII. However, this proposal was rejected by Indian political parties.
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Why did the Indian National Congress (INC) reject the Cripps Mission's proposal?
The INC rejected the offer because it did not include full independence and was seen as a temporary solution. They wanted complete self-rule and not just self-government.
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What was the Quit India Movement and why did it start?
The Quit India Movement was launched by Gandhi and the INC in August 1942 to demand the immediate withdrawal of British rule from India. Gandhi’s famous "Do or Die" speech made the INC's position clear.
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What happened during the Quit India Movement in 1942?
Following Gandhi’s speech, non-violent demonstrations took place across India. However, as the movement grew, violent clashes occurred, and thousands of people were killed or injured. Key leaders like Gandhi and Nehru were arrested by the British.
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What was the reaction of the Muslim League during the Quit India Movement?
The Muslim League supported the British war effort and cooperated with the British, seeking rewards for their support after the war.
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How did the INC’s involvement in the Quit India Movement affect the organization?
The INC was weakened as many of its leaders were imprisoned. The movement also split India’s political landscape, with the INC opposing the British and the Muslim League supporting them.
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What was the impact of the Quit India Movement on the situation in India during WWII?
The movement led to widespread unrest, mass demonstrations, and the arrest of INC leaders. This created political instability and increased pressure on Britain to address India’s future status.
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What was Gandhi’s attitude during the Quit India Movement?
Gandhi became even more determined than ever, emphasizing the need for unity and criticizing Algina for wanting to divide India between Muslims and Hindus. He strongly opposed the idea of Muslims having their own territory.
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What event led to the start of the Quit India Movement?
The failure of the Cripps Mission in 1942, which failed to provide India with full independence, led to the launch of the Quit India Movement.
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What did the Quit India Resolution entail?
In April and May 1942, the Indian National Congress (INC) met and authorized Gandhi to lead the non-violent movement. This laid the groundwork for the actual Quit India campaign.
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How effective was the Quit India Movement?
- The movement resulted in the imprisonment of national leaders, including Gandhi.
- The INC took a “profil bas” (passive stance) until 1944, giving the Muslim League a chance to rise.
- Muslim League fought as part of the Allied forces.
- Gandhi’s imprisonment led to limited progress, and the movement faced violent resistance and sabotage, with British forces even bombing protesters.
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What was the long-term result of the Quit India Movement?
- Despite its challenges, the Quit India Movement helped unite the Indian population against British rule and led to India's eventual independence after WWII.
- In 1947, the Labour government under Clement Attlee granted India independence, and it was described as a "divorce without marriage."
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What happened to Gandhi after India's independence?
In 1948, Gandhi was assassinated by a Hindu fanatic, shortly after India gained independence.
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What was the Radcliffe Line?
The Radcliffe Line was the border drawn in 1947 that divided British India into India and East and West Pakistan. It was named after its architect, Sir Cyril Radcliffe.
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Who was Sir Cyril Radcliffe, and what was his role in the Partition of India?
- Sir Cyril Radcliffe was tasked with drawing the border between India and Pakistan.
- He had never been to India before and was given only five weeks to complete this complex and challenging task.
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What was the main aim of the Radcliffe Line?
The goal of the Radcliffe Line was to separate regions based on religious majorities, with Muslim populations going to Pakistan and Hindu and Sikh populations remaining in India.
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What consequences did the Radcliffe Line have on the population?
- The Radcliffe Line caused massive population movements as people tried to migrate to the country where their religion was the majority.
- This migration led to widespread violence, chaos, and the loss of many lives.
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What were some of the disputes caused by the Radcliffe Line?
- The Radcliffe Line led to several disagreements and conflicts between India and Pakistan over regions near the border.
- Kashmir and Sir Creek are two regions that continue to be a source of dispute between the two countries to this day.
