Viceroy Wavell Flashcards
What year did Viceroy Wavell come into power
1943
Who put him in power
He was directly appointed by Churchill
Why was he appointed viceroy and what was expected of him
Because of his extensive and successful militant background = he was expected to follow orders from Churchill ( which is what he believed), prevent a Japanese invasion and keep control in India
How did Viceroy Wavell transgress Churchill’s expectations as viceroy
> he travelled India extensively in depth to expand his knowledge
he held meetings with provincial officials
he was not as dictatorial as everyone thought
+ he is consulting with Indians
When was the Bengal Famine
1943 - 44
What were the cause of the bengal famine
> a cyclone in 1942, that destroyed crops and brought parasites as well
the British ‘scorched earth’ policy used if they were retreating so there would be nothing left for the invading Japanese
the War = grain imported into Britain increased = shortages of food
How many died in the bengal famine
1 - 3 million people
What was viceroy Wavell response to the famine
> he requested 1 million tons of grain = British said they would provide 250,000 tons = Wavell regotiated 400,000 tons of grain
What was a consequence of the British unwillingness to help with the famine
It increase nationalism
How did the bengal famine impact the political relationship within India
> increased tension between the Raj and Nationalists
> the Raj neglecting India, prioritising the British which would not have happened if India was independent
