Question

The British Government in India decided to return home.Explain

Hint:

The British decision to leave India was shaped by a combination of political, economic, and global pressures, with the independence movement and the consequences of World War II playing pivotal roles.

Answer 1

The British Government’s decision to withdraw from India in 1947 was influenced by several key factors:

1. Strength of the Independence Movement: The Indian independence struggle, spearheaded by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose, had gathered substantial momentum. The widespread protests and mass mobilization against British colonial rule made it increasingly difficult for the British to maintain control over India.
2. Economic Pressures: The aftermath of the two World Wars, especially World War II, placed immense economic strain on Britain. The cost of maintaining an empire, including the military presence in India, had become increasingly unsustainable, particularly with the war’s damaging impact on the British economy.
3. Global Pressure for Decolonization: Post-World War II, there was a significant shift in global sentiments favoring decolonization. International bodies, such as the United Nations, began advocating for self-determination for colonized countries, adding pressure on Britain to grant India its independence.
4. Failure of British Negotiations: The unsuccessful attempts by the British government to negotiate with Indian leaders, including the Cripps Mission of 1942 and the Cabinet Mission of 1946, revealed deep political divisions. These failed negotiations highlighted the inability to reconcile British and Indian political goals, leading to the decision to end British rule in India.

Consequently, in August 1947, Britain opted to partition India and grant independence to both India and Pakistan.