Q. What were the major political, economic and social developments in the world which motivated the anti-colonial struggle in India? [UPSC- 2014]

Q. What were the major political, economic and social developments in the world which motivated the anti-colonial struggle in India? [UPSC- 2014]

Ans:

The anti-colonial struggle in India was not only shaped by the domestic conditions but also by the developments in the world. ©selfstudyhistory.com

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Developments which motivated the anti-colonial struggle:

• The political developments:
  • Ideas of French revolution (equality, liberty and fraternity) and American revolution ( e.g. No taxation without representation during ) influenced the demands of the early nationalists.
    • Influence of these ideas were also seen in the karachi resolution 1931.
  • The idea of nationalism gradually spread thought out the world including in India. It was directly linked with the rise of anti-colonial struggle in India.
  • Japanese victory over Russia in 1905 destroyed the myth of European invincibility. The defeat of European country by an Asian country boosted the self confidence among the nationalists.
  • The home rule movement (1916-18) was launched on the lines of Irish Home Rule movement and other home rule movements.
    • Indian revolutionaries were also influenced by the Irish revolutionaries. Even Bose’s Indian National Army was inspired by the Irish Republican Army.
  • During World War-I, major section of nationalists had supported the Britain in the hope thatt they will be awarded with more reforms and autonomy after the war was over. But enacting of Rowlatt Act immediately after the war led to the rise of national consciousness and soon Non-Cooperation movement was launched. ©crackingcivilservices.com
  • Khilafat issue during the Paris Peace treaty led to out-brake of Khilafat movement.
  • Rise of dictatorships likes Nazism and Fascism was considered as ultimate outcome of imperialism. It further strengthened the anti-imperial attitude among Indians.
  • The start of world war-II and joining decision to Join in the war by British Indian government without consulting Indian ultimately led to rise of Quit India Movement.
    • During this time, S.C. Bose formed INA and The Provisional Government of Free India by taking the foreign help with aim to making Indian free of British rule.
• Economic developments:
  • Industrial revolution in Britain and resultant economic exploitation and drain of wealth from India -> Realisation of this and the drain of wealth theory promulgated by early nationalists → cut the root and branch of the moral authority of the British rule.
  • The economic hardships during and after world war-I created favourable conditions for the rise of Gandhiji and Non-Cooperation Movement.
  • The global financial crisis during the Great Depression (1929) and protectionist policies adopted by colonial government resulted in a rapid increase in the price of commodities in British India. The discontent from farmers resulted in riots and rebellions against colonial rule, while increasing Indian nationalism led to rise of civil disobedience movement under Gandhi ji.
  • Economic success of Socialist Russia influenced the economic inspirations and policies of the nationalists like Nehru.
• Social developments:
  • Western Education played an instrumental role in arousing the nationalist sentiments of the masses.
  • Rise of
  • Racial discrimination in South Africa and Gandhi’s fight against it created the background for the rise of Gandhi as a leader.
  • Extreme nationalism leading to the Nazi’s persecution of Jews in Germany was a lesson for the Indian leaders. It motivated them for shaping Indian nationalism as more inclusive and bringing unity in diversity.

Thus, Indian freedom struggle was not an isolated phenomenon and was closely linked with the events occurring at global level. ©crackingcivilservices.com