Introduction
World War II (1939–1945) was a global conflict that affected many countries, including India, which was then under British rule. The war had a significant impact on the Indian freedom movement, both directly and indirectly. It created new political situations, changed the strategies of Indian leaders, and increased public support for independence. In this post, we will explore how World War II influenced India’s struggle for freedom.
India’s Involvement in the War
When World War II broke out in 1939, the British government declared India a participant in the war without consulting Indian leaders or the Indian National Congress. This decision angered many Indian politicians, especially those in the Congress, because it showed that Indians still had no control over their own foreign affairs.
This led to a deepening mistrust between Indian leaders and the British government. The Congress Working Committee demanded full independence in return for India’s cooperation in the war. However, the British refused to accept these terms, which resulted in growing opposition to the British rule.
Resignation of Congress Ministries
As a protest against India being dragged into the war without any consultation, all the Congress ministries in provinces resigned in 1939. This move sent a strong message that India would not support British war efforts without a clear promise of independence. This resignation created a political vacuum that the British tried to fill by favoring other political groups like the Muslim League.
Cripps Mission (1942)
In an attempt to gain Indian support for the war, the British sent Sir Stafford Cripps to India in 1942. He offered a promise of full self-government after the war. However, the proposal included several conditions that were not acceptable to the Congress, including the right of provinces to opt out of a united India.
The Congress rejected the Cripps proposal, as it failed to guarantee immediate independence. This rejection increased tensions between Indian leaders and the British government.
Quit India Movement (1942)
One of the most important effects of World War II on the Indian freedom movement was the launch of the Quit India Movement in August 1942. Mahatma Gandhi gave the call to “Do or Die,” demanding an end to British rule in India.
The movement saw widespread protests, strikes, and acts of civil disobedience. The British responded with mass arrests—Gandhi, Nehru, and thousands of other leaders were jailed. Despite the repression, the Quit India Movement showed the determination of Indians to achieve freedom and marked the final phase of the struggle.
Impact of War on British Economy and Politics
World War II weakened Britain economically and politically. The war had drained British resources, and there was growing pressure from within Britain to decolonize. The Labour Party, which came to power after the war, was more supportive of Indian independence compared to the previous government.
Additionally, the world had changed. The United States and the Soviet Union, both emerging superpowers, supported the end of colonialism. Britain could no longer ignore these global shifts or maintain its empire in the same way as before the war.
Indian National Army (INA)
During the war, Subhas Chandra Bose formed the Indian National Army (INA) with the help of Japan. The INA fought against the British with the goal of freeing India. Though the INA was eventually defeated, its efforts stirred nationalist feelings and showed that Indians were ready to fight for their country’s independence even with arms.
Conclusion
World War II played a major role in accelerating India’s journey toward independence. It exposed the limitations of British rule, increased political awareness among Indians, and strengthened the call for freedom. The British were weakened, both at home and abroad, and the war created the conditions for India to demand and eventually gain independence in 1947. Thus, World War II was a turning point in the Indian freedom movement.