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Q1. Critically examine the Post-World War II national scenario in India from 1945 till independence. (150 Words, 10 Marks)
Decoding the Question:
- Introduction: Briefly give an overview of the situation after World War II.
- Body: o Mention the various aspects of the national scenario in India post-World War II.
- Conclusion: Conclude with stating how voices opposing the British occupation of its colonies had risen after WWII.
Answer:
World War II was unequivocally the most pivotal global event in 20th-century history. During World War II, India contributed around 2.5 million volunteer soldiers to fight for the Allies. The British government had demanded Indian participation in its World War II effort. The Congress party maintained that it would only cooperate if India was granted independence. Negotiations were dragged out over the terms and timing of self-rule. The Muslim League had initially backed the British during World War II, in contrast to the uncooperative and combative Congress.
Post-World War II National Scenario in India
- Change in British Government’s Attitude:
○ In Britain, the Labour Party formed the government in July 1945. Clement Attlee was sworn in as Prime Minister, while Pethick Lawrence was appointed as Secretary of State for India. Elections to the national and provincial assemblies were declared in August 1945.
○ In September 1945, it was declared that after the elections, a Constituent Assembly would be summoned, and that the government would act in the spirit of the Cripps Mission.
- The impact of Bengal Famine after WWII:
○ The Bengal Famine in 1943 was devastating for the Indian people but with the British refusing to stop supplies from India due to its WWII efforts, in favour of those suffering in the country, only strengthened the resolve of the nationalists in their call for freedom.
○ On top of everything else, that was a period of utter ruination of rural economies in India.
- Congress Support for INA Prisoners:
○ In September 1945, at the first post-war Congress Session in Bombay, a robust resolution affirming Congress support for the INA cause was enacted.
- Movements During and after the WWII:
○ Frequently organised mass action by workers, peasants and the people of India took the form of a national movement.
○ The INA Release Movement, the Royal Indian Navy (RIN) uprising, the Tebhaga movement, the Worli insurrection, the Punjab Kisan Morchas, the Travancore people’s fight (particularly the Punnapra-Vayalar event), and the Telangana Peasant Revolt are some of the examples.
- Major Economic Effects of the World War II on India:
○ High inflation as a result of war expenses.
○ A decline in the value of the rupee.
○ Economic imbalances are brought on by issues with currency exchange. ○ The growth of exchange regulation.
- The war effectively transformed the Indian Air Force and the Navy.
- Following the war, people all over the world began to support voices opposing the British occupation of its colonies.
After World War II, the British realised that they could no longer rule over India due to the complete erosion of their hegemony and thus decided to devolve power to Indians. They reasoned that rather than being overthrown, it was preferable to transfer power peacefully through agreement. As a result, a Cabinet Mission was dispatched in 1946, but the mission encountered a difficult situation because both Congress and the League were moving in opposing directions.
