India, Chapter 2, Part 2, War and Nationalism Flashcards
(30 cards)
How did the War affect Indian Nationalist activity?
The war period witnessed moderate and collaborative nationalist agitation and a number of important developments in the growth of Indian Nationalism
What significant Movement occured in the 1913?
The Ghadr Movement
What was the Ghadr Movement and their goal?
The Ghadar Movement was a revolutionary movement in India that started in 1913, primarily led by Indians living abroad, especially in North America.
Its goal was to overthrow British rule in India and gain independence
What was the name of the plan of the ghadr movement in 1915?
The Mutiny Plan
What was the Ghadr Party’s plan? (Mutiny Plan)
Was to have a simultaneous uprising in various parts of India. The key idea was to encourage Indian soldiers in the British Army to mutiny and join the revolution
The Ghadarites tried to mobilize support in key locations like Lahore, Amritsar, and other areas in Punjab, where they had a strong base of support among Indian soldiers and workers.
Why did the plan fail?
Premature Discovery:
The British intelligence services got wind of the plot before it could fully unfold.
Crackdown:
The British authorities quickly cracked down on the movement, arresting Ghadar leaders, disrupting communication, and taking action against those suspected of involvement in the rebellion.
What were the consequences?
5000 Ghadrites were arrested
200 jailed or transported abroad
46 were hanged
What were the long-term consequences?
The British was haunted by the realization that the traditional loyalty of the Punjab could no longer be counted on.
This anxiety would lead to the worst atrocity of British rule 4 years later
What Act was passed by the British in 1915?
The Defence of India Act
What were the 6 key features of the Defence of India Act (DIA)?
1) Suspension of civil liberties
2) Censorship
3) Control over communications
4) Power to try cases in military courts
5) Control over Assemblies and Associations
6) Vast Powers for the British government
How did the DIA suspend civil liberties?
The Act gave the British government the power to arrest and detain people without trial.
How did the DIA control censorship
The British were allowed to censor publications and control the press.
How did the DIA have the power to try cases in Military Courts?
Allowed the British authorities to set up military tribunals (courts) to try individuals accused of sedition or other crimes against the state.
These military courts did not offer the same rights or protections as civilian courts, making it easier for the British to suppress dissent.
How did the DIA have control over Assemblies and Assosiations
The government was given the power to ban public gatherings or organizations that were considered to be a threat to British rule.
This was aimed at curbing protests and gatherings of nationalist or anti-colonial groups.
How did the DIA provide vast powers to the British government?
Gave the British authorities unchecked powers to take action against any perceived threat, including revolutionary or nationalistic movements, which they considered a risk to their rule during the war.
What was the purpose of the DIA?
to control and suppress the growing nationalist movements, particularly in the context of World War I, when India was seen as a valuable resource for Britain.
The British feared that these movements, such as the Ghadar Party and other anti-colonial groups, might take advantage of the war to launch uprisings or attacks against British rule.
The Act was used extensively to suppress the Ghadar Mutiny of 1915, arresting many leaders and members of the Ghadar Party and curbing their efforts to instigate rebellion.
What were the consequences of the DIA
1) Repression of Nationalist Movements:
The Act severely curtailed civil liberties and led to the arrest and detention of many political leaders, including key figures in the nationalist movements, without trial.
2) Widespread Fear and Distrust:
The Act created an atmosphere of fear and suspicion across India,
3) Long-lasting Impact:
It also laid the groundwork for future repressive measures by the British in India, such as the Rowlatt Act of 1919.
What 2 significant political organisations was launched in 1916?
Tilak’s Home Rule League
Annie Besants’ Home Rule League
What were there aims?
Campaigning for home rule In India.
What did ‘home rule’ involve
1) Management of Indian internal Affairs
2) Defence and Foreign Policy would remain matters for the British government
3) ‘Freedom without separation’ – Besant
4) ‘Sought reform of the system of administration and not to overthrow the government’ – Tilak
5) It was not intended to harm the war effort.
What was the Indian Response to the Home rule leagues?
Jinnah and Jawaharal Nehru joined the Leagues, but Gandhi refused, calling Besant distrustful of the British and that he will not help in any agitation against them during the war.
Other Indian groups:
Were also resistant, especially Muslims and lower-caste Hindus groups who though that self-government would entrench Brahmin Hindu dominance.
They viewed the British as more protective of their interests.
Did the Home rule league reach their objectives?
No, they lost momentum, Its failure left an unsatisisfied willingness among the general population for more direction action.
What was one positive of the Leagues?
They did create the first truly national mass campaign.
This is believed to have prepared the way for the campaigns of Gandi from 1920s onwards.
What Pact was made in December 1916
Lucknow Pact
