4th October 2003
Explain how India’s campaign for independence changed as a result of World War 1?
The First World War had a huge impact upon relations between Britain and India. India’s campaign for independence had become more confident and well supported by the end of the war. Some of the reasons for this change were the creations of the Home rule and the Lucknow Pact, and unpopular reforms such as the Rowlatt Acts and the government of India Acts 1919. To start however, it’s important to look at India’s actual contribution during the war
India’s contribution to the war was by giving 1.25 million Indians who volunteered to fight the war. India also helped by giving cotton and other raw materials when it was needed therefore the Indians suspected they may win mighty changes from the Indian government. Mohandas Gandhi arrived from South Africa. He persuaded Indians to fight the world war as he thought the British would award the Indians with Home Rule if the Indians helped to defeat Germany. Many Indians shared this thought so in 1915 the Home Rule League was setup by the leader of Extremists BAL Tilak. The Indians thought the could be granted Home Rule so to increase this they thought of an alliance called the Lucknow Pact, the Muslims and Indians signed the Lucknow Pacts agreement for Indians and Muslims to have an equal portion of seats when India’s parliament takes place although more seats for Indian minority. The British thought the Indians wanted something in return so they introduced two houses for India. About five million of the wealthiest Indians were given the right to vote (a very small percentage (2.8%) of the total population).Within the Indian government, minister of education, health and public works could now be Indians National.