The end of empire and the problem of neocolonialism - The South Asian precedent - The tragedy of partition

7 important questions on The end of empire and the problem of neocolonialism - The South Asian precedent - The tragedy of partition

On what grounds did Clement Attlee want India to be independent?

Clement Attlee's government was committed to independence for India both on grounds of principle and economic self-interest.

How did the trade between India and England change?

At the end of the war London owed India millions of pounds for services rendered during the struggle against Germany and Japan. The once favorable trade balance with India had been reversed, while the cost of maintaining Britain's administrative and military structure in South Asia placed an intolerable burden on the shattered postwar domestic economy.

Why was Attlee's government eager to withdraw from India?

Attlee's government was eager to withdraw from India knowing that a stable and democratic successor state was in control, that the country would not descend into anarchy.
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What was seen as the best solution between Hindus and Muslims?

While clashes between the two communities had increased during the first half of the twentieth century, Gandhi, Nehru, and the other leaders of the Congress Party believed that the best solution to the problem of religious intolerance was the creation of a single, nonsectarian policy where all faith traditions would be respected.

What happened at the day of "Direct Action"?

  • After it became clear that Hindus had won a majority in every province, Jinnah called upon India's 95 million Muslims to engage in a day of "Direct Action" involving strikes and street demonstrations.
  • It was a de facto call to violence, and frustrated elements of the Muslim community responded with vigor. Riots and atrocious killings took place across the country during the late summer and fall of 1946.

Why were the Muslim League and the Congress not happy with Attlee's ultimatum to leave India?

  • The British would withdrew from India by June 1948, and they would leave irrespective of the conditions on the ground.
  • Neither the Congress leaders nor their Muslim League counterparts welcomed this statement because their own positions were at risk should anarchy prevail in the absence of British military assistance.

What happened to Gandhi?

  • Gandhi tried to staunch the killing, this time in Calcutta, by declaring a fast to the death in September 1947.
  • In this sprawling city with a population equally divided between Muslims and Hindus, the Mahatma was able to diffuse tensions in the short term.

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