Chapter-22
Indian Nationalist Response to World War II
Arora IAS Class Notes
Congress Crisis Post Civil Disobedience Movement
- Disarray and Corruption within Congress: Gandhi observed rising corruption and indiscipline within the organization post the civil disobedience movement.
- Petty Squabbles and Rivalries: Internal rivalries and petty disputes among Congress leaders emerged.
- Issues of Membership and Control: Concerns over bogus memberships and unethical means employed to control Congress committees surfaced.
- Gandhi’s Call for Order: Gandhi advocated putting the Congress’ house in order before launching any new movement, emphasizing the need to address internal issues.
Diverging Views on Method of Struggle:
- Subhash Chandra Bose’s Radical Stance: Bose, with Nehru, opposed the Motilal Nehru Report and advocated for full independence instead of dominion status.
- Formation of Independence League: Bose formed the Independence League to push for complete independence.
- Endorsement of Poorna Swaraj: Fully endorsed the Lahore Congress session’s resolution for complete independence.
Haripura Session (1938):
- Bose’s Election as President: Bose was unanimously elected as the president of the Haripura session.
- Revolutionary Potential of Congress Ministries: Bose believed Congress ministries in provinces had revolutionary potential.
- Emphasis on Economic Development: Advocated economic development through planning and set up the National Planning Committee.
- Resolution on Support for Agitators: Congress pledged moral support to those agitating against princely states’ governance.
1939: Subhash Bose’s Re-Election and Internal Strife:
- Bose’s Candidature and Gandhi’s Disapproval: Gandhi was displeased with Bose’s candidacy for the president’s post in 1939.
- Bose’s Victory: Bose won the election against Pattabhi Sitaramayya with 1580 votes.
- Polarization within Congress: Bose’s victory led to polarization based on ideology and method of future struggle.
Tripuri Session (1939):
- Clear Polarization: Polarization within Congress was evident during the Tripuri session.
- Bose’s Accusations Against Working Committee: Bose accused the working committee leaders of compromising with the government on federation matters.
- Bose’s Ultimatum Proposal: Advocated giving Britain a six-month ultimatum for independence and launching a mass civil disobedience movement if rejected.
- Gandhi’s Contrary Stance: Gandhi believed neither Congress nor the masses were ready for such a struggle.
- Resolution for Gandhian Policies: A resolution reaffirming faith in Gandhian policies was passed without opposition, but Bose refused to nominate a new working committee.
Bose’s Resignation and Formation of Forward Bloc:
- Bose’s Resignation: Resigned from the president’s post in April 1939 due to ideological differences.
- Formation of Forward Bloc: Formed Forward Bloc within Congress, but disciplinary action was taken against him for protesting AICC resolution.
International Solidarity: Tripuri session passed a resolution expressing solidarity with China in its struggle against imperialism and sent a Medical Mission to aid China.
Gandhi vs. Bose: Ideological Differences
Respect Despite Differences
- Gandhi called Bose the “Prince among Patriots” (respect for bravery & patriotism)
- Bose called Gandhi “The Father of Our Nation” (acknowledged Gandhi’s role)
Shared Ideals
- Both believed in socialist principles (economic fairness)
- Both opposed untouchability and advocated for women’s rights (social reforms)
Path to Freedom
- Gandhi: Ahimsa (non-violence) and Satyagraha (nonviolent resistance)
- Bose: Violent resistance to overthrow British rule (criticized Gandhi’s approach)
Means and Ends
- Bose: Focused on results, willing to work with Axis powers (Germany & Japan) for strategic advantage.
- Gandhi: Emphasized moral means, rejected alliances with oppressive regimes.
Pragmatism vs. Idealism
- Bose: Pragmatic approach, saw alliances as a tool.
- Gandhi: Idealistic, stressed moral purity in methods and goals.
Mutual Recognition
- Bose: Recognized Gandhi’s methods in uniting Indians and resisting British rule.
- Gandhi: Respected Bose’s dedication to independence, despite disagreements.
Bose: Form of Government
Shifting Views
- Initially favored democracy, later saw authoritarianism as effective for nation-building.
- Advocated a socialist state for economic reforms.
Unique Socialism
- Proposed “samyavada,” a blend of socialism and fascism (efficiency & social justice).
- Admired discipline in Fascist regimes, but rejected their ideologies.
Leftist Nationalism
- Identified as a socialist, distinct from communism.
- Prioritized nationalism over internationalism and adapted Marxism for India.
Post-Independence Vision
- Envisioned a socialist India based on liberty, democracy, and socialism.
Gandhi: Form of Government
Swaraj and Decentralization
- Emphasized self-rule (Swaraj) and village-level community building.
- Advocated for decentralized political and economic power.
Stateless Idealism
- Envisioned a stateless society with self-governed individuals based on morality.
- Proposed a loose network of independent village republics (anarchist influence).
Morality in Democracy
- Stressed moral values in democracy, focusing on duties over rights.
- Believed high moral character fosters responsibility, crucial for democratic governance.
Critique of Representative Systems
- Criticized party systems and representative democracy, preferring minimal government.
- Opposed excessive centralization, believing it hinders progress and individuality.
Ancient Indian Influence
- Inspired by historical Indian governance models, aiming to revive village republics.
- Proposed a panchayat system with elected village representatives for local self-government.
Bose vs. Gandhi: Political and Economic Views
Subhas Chandra Bose
Form of Government:
- Shifted Views:Initially favored democracy but later leaned towards authoritarian rule for efficient nation-building with socialist reforms.
- Unique System:Proposed ‘samyavada,’ a blend of socialism and fascism, emphasizing social justice and efficiency.
- Nationalist Socialist:Identified as a socialist but distinct from communism. Prioritized nationalism over internationalism and adapted Marxism for India.
- Post-Independence Vision:Envisioned a socialist transformation of India built on liberty, democracy, and socialist principles.
Militarism:
- Military Admiration:Deeply respected military discipline and had basic military training.
- Focus on Discipline:Advocated for a disciplined approach, forming an honor guard at a Congress session (opposed by Gandhi).
Mohandas Gandhi
Form of Government:
- Swaraj and Decentralization:Emphasized self-rule and community building at the village level. Advocated for decentralized political and economic power.
- Stateless Ideal:Envisioned a stateless society with self-governance based on morality and responsibility. Proposed a loose network of village republics, reflecting anarchist principles.
- Moral Democracy:Stressed the importance of morality in a democracy, focusing on duties over rights. Believed high moral values fostered responsibility for democratic governance.
- Critique of Representative Democracy:Criticized party systems and representative democracy, advocating for minimal government intervention. Believed excessive centralization hindered progress.
- Ancient Indian Influence:Inspired by ancient Indian governance models, aiming to revive village republics as autonomous units. Proposed a panchayat system for local self-government.
Militarism:
- Non-violent Resistance:Opposed militarism and favored peace over war. Emphasized truth, nonviolence, and self-regulation.
- Causes of War:Believed war resulted in societal demoralization and brutality. Cited racialism, imperialism, fascism, and economic inequality as causes of war.
Economy:
Mohandas Gandhi
- Decentralized Economy:Advocated for a decentralized economy, free from state control, rejecting capitalism and Western socialism.
- Village Economy:Promoted village self-sufficiency through small-scale cooperative organizations and the concept of Sarvodaya, where production and consumption were localized.
- Critique of Industrialization:Opposed large-scale industrialization and labor-saving machinery, fearing unemployment and exploitation.
- Trusteeship:Proposed a system where capitalists would share wealth for societal well-being and achieve economic equality.
Subhas Chandra Bose
- Economic Freedom:Believed economic freedom was crucial for social and political freedom. Advocated for modernization through industrialization.
- State-controlled Development:Impressed by the Soviet Union’s rapid industrialization, Bose called for state control of industries to address unemployment and improve living standards.
- Mixed Economy:Envisioned a combination of heavy, medium, and cottage industries, recognizing the importance of both large-scale and small-scale production for national development.
Religion
- Mahatma Gandhi
- Believed religion is a unifying force, not divisive.
- Advocated for freedom of religion and a state with religious foundation.
- Viewed all religions as paths to the same truth (love and truth).
- Subhas Chandra Bose
- Inspired by Hinduism but advocated secularism.
- Believed in a neutral state with freedom of religion.
- Used Hindu symbols for motivation but had a multi-religious army (Azad Hind Fauj).
Caste System
- Mahatma Gandhi
- Aimed to eradicate untouchability, calling it a barrier to progress.
- Believed in the Varna system (hereditary professions) for social harmony.
- Subhas Chandra Bose
- Rejected caste system entirely, favoring a classless and egalitarian society.
- Advocated for inter-caste marriage and upliftment of the downtrodden.
Impact on Women: Gandhi vs. Bose
Mahatma Gandhi:
- Empowerment:Encouraged women to join the freedom struggle and challenged restrictive practices like purdah.
- Equality:Advocated for gender equality and respect for women, despite traditional views on their roles.
- Women in Society:Saw women as homemakers and nurturers but didn’t address domestic abuse publicly, emphasizing women’s inner strength.
Subhas Chandra Bose:
- Equal Participation:Believed in women’s equal role in the struggle, forming the Rani of Jhansi Regiment in the INA.
- Women’s Rights:Campaigned for women’s emancipation from social restrictions and supported education, training, and legal awareness.
- Institutional Support:Established a women’s planning commission (1938) to address their role in India’s planned economy.
- Radical Views:Advocated for women in combat roles (INA), a concept considered radical for his time.
Gandhian Education Philosophy (Pre-1947)
- Opposition to British System:
- Opposed English-medium education and advocated vernacular languages.
- Free & Compulsory Education:Advocated free and compulsory education for all children (7-14 years).
- Holistic Development:Education should encompass physical training, moral development, and intellectual growth.
- Education vs. Literacy:Distinguished between rote learning and true education, emphasizing wisdom over mere knowledge.
- Spiritual Path:Education should lead to self-realization and spiritual enlightenment, not just career advancement.
- Nai Talim (1937):Advocated for “Basic Education” with a focus on:
- Freedom from Ignorance:Eradicate illiteracy, superstition, and limiting social norms.
- Holistic Training:Combine academics with purposeful manual labor (crafts, art, drawing).
- Vocational Education:Empower villages through self-sufficiency and skilled workforce.
Second World War and Indian Nationalism (1939)
British Involvement in War:
- September 1, 1939: Germany invaded Poland, triggering World War II.
- September 3, 1939: Britain declared war on Germany, automatically including India without consulting Indian leaders.
Congress Response:
- Conditional Support Offered:Congress opposed British unilateral action but offered conditional support.
- Conditions:
- Post-war convention to decide an independent India’s political structure.
- Immediate establishment of a responsible central government in India.
- Justification:Winning public support for the war effort.
- Linlithgow’s Rejection:Viceroy Linlithgow rejected Congress’ offer.
Internal Congress Debate (Wardha CWC Meeting)
- Gandhi’s Position (Unconditional Support):
- Opposed fascism and supported the Allied powers due to his dislike of Nazi ideology.
- Advocated for unconditional support to Britain during the war.
- Socialist View (Subhas Bose & Others):
- Opposed both sides as imperialist powers fighting for colonies.
- Advocated for a civil disobedience movement to leverage the situation for Indian independence.
- Nehru’s View (Conditional Support):
- Recognized the difference between democratic and fascist values.
- Believed Britain and France were hypocritical imperialists.
- Advocated no Indian participation until India’s freedom was achieved.
- Opposed immediate civil disobedience to avoid exploiting Britain’s weakness.
- Outcome:
- Gandhi’s view was largely isolated.
- Congress adopted Nehru’s position, condemning fascist aggression.
- The resolution demanded:
- End to British imperialism in India.
- Establishment of full democracy in India.
- Clarification of war aims and their application to post-war India.
- Congress leadership aimed to give the British government a chance to respond positively.
British Government Response (October 1939)
- Negative Response:Viceroy Linlithgow rejected Congress demands.
- Key Points of Response:
- Refused to clarify war aims beyond “resisting aggression.”
- Promised to consult various parties after the war, including princes.
- Established a “consultative committee” to advise the government.
British Hidden Agenda
- Exploiting the War:Aimed to regain control over Congress by provoking a confrontation.
- Pre-war Measures:
- Acquired emergency powers to control provinces.
- Enforced Defence of India Ordinance to restrict civil liberties.
- Drafted a secret ordinance to target the Congress movement.
- Support from British Leadership:Prime Minister Churchill and Secretary of State Zetland backed Linlithgow’s policies.
- Branding Congress:Labeled Congress as a “purely Hindu organisation” to garner international sympathy.
Congress Response (October 1939)
- CWC Meeting (October 23rd):
- Rejected Viceroy’s statement as imperialist.
- Decided to withdraw support for the war effort.
- Instructed Congress ministries in provinces to resign.
Debate on Mass Satyagraha
- Gandhi’s Position (Against Immediate Action):
- Believed the Allied cause was just.
- Feared communal riots due to Hindu-Muslim tensions.
- Advocated strengthening Congress and exhausting negotiation options before struggle.
Congress Resolutions (1939-1940)
- Allahabad (November 1939):
- Declared war to be imperialist with Britain seeking to maintain its control over India.
- Demanded recognition of India’s independence and a constituent assembly.
- Ramgarh (March 1940):
- Agreed on the need for struggle but debated its form and timing (left to Gandhi).
- Gandhi favored continued non-violent cooperation at the provincial level.
- Nehru insisted on complete independence as a precondition for supporting the war.
- Subhas Bose advocated forceful direct action against the British.
- The Congress declared complete independence as the only acceptable goal.
Muslim League Resolution (Lahore – March 1940)
- Called for the creation of independent Muslim states in areas with Muslim majorities.
The August Offer (August 1940)
Background:
- Britain’s weakened position in WWII led to a more conciliatory approach towards India.
The Offer:
- Viceroy Linlithgow proposed:
- Dominion status for India as a post-war goal.
- Expansion of the Viceroy’s Executive Council with an Indian majority.
- A post-war constituent assembly, led by Indians, to draft a constitution (with some limitations on power).
- No future constitution without minority consent.
Responses:
- Congress:Rejected the offer.
- Nehru: “Dominion status concept is dead.”
- Gandhi: Offer widened the gap between nationalists and British.
- Muslim League:Welcomed the offer, especially the minority veto power.
Significance:
- First recognition of Indian right to frame their own constitution.
- Dominion status formally offered.
Follow-up (July 1941):
- Viceroy’s Council expanded to give Indians a majority (8 out of 12 members).
- National Defence Council established with only advisory functions.
- British retained control over defense, finance, and home affairs.
Individual Satyagraha (1940-1941)
Background:
- Government refused concessions, cracked down on civil liberties.
- Congress sought renewed leadership from Gandhi.
Objectives:
- Demonstrate nationalist resolve.
- Protest against war and British rule.
- Pressure government for concessions peacefully.
Method:
- Limited, individual civil disobedience by select people.
- Demand: Freedom of speech to oppose the war.
- Action: Public anti-war declaration.
- Response: Arrest or escalation with “Delhi Chalo” movement (march to Delhi).
Key Figures:
- Vinoba Bhave (First Satyagrahi)
- Jawaharlal Nehru (Second Satyagrahi)
Outcome:
- By May 1941, 25,000 arrested for civil disobedience.
Gandhi Chooses Nehru as Successor (1941)
Context:
- Released Congress leaders (Dec. 1941) wanted to aid Allies against Japan.
- Congress offered war cooperation for post-war independence and immediate power transfer.
Gandhi’s Choice:
- Despite differences in views (religion, modernity, industrialization), Gandhi designated Nehru as his successor.
Reasons for Choosing Nehru:
- Shared Values:
- Patriotism for a unified India.
- Commitment to non-violence and democracy.
- Nehru’s Qualities:
- Respected by Muslims and across regions.
- Embodied a “pluralist, inclusive India.”
- Offered hope for a prosperous and peaceful society.
Alternatives Considered (by Rajmohan Gandhi):
- Patel, Rajaji, Azad, Kripalani, Rajendra Prasad: Seen as having sectional interests.
Cripps Mission (March 1942)
Background:
- Sent by British in response to Japanese threats and losses in Southeast Asia.
- Led by Stafford Cripps (Labour Party)
Purpose:
- Secure Indian support for WWII due to Japanese threat.
- Address Indian demands for self-rule (pressured by Allies).
Proposals:
- Dominion status for an Indian Union (independent in Commonwealth).
- Post-war constituent assembly to draft a new constitution.
- Provinces could form separate unions and negotiate minority treaties.
- British control defense during the war (Governor General retains power).
Key Points:
- First concrete plan for Indian constitution-making.
- Introduced idea of partition with provincial secession rights.
- Offered India the option to leave the Commonwealth.
Reasons for Failure:
- Congress rejected dominion status, princely involvement, and lack of immediate power transfer.
- Muslim League opposed a united India and the constituent assembly structure.
- Concerns from various groups about unity, minorities, and regional implications.
- Doubts about British sincerity and Cripps’ limited negotiating room.
- Disagreements over details (viceroy’s veto, treaty interpretations).
Outcome:
- Talks collapsed. Gandhi called proposals a “post-dated cheque.”
- Mission fueled anti-colonial sentiment and highlighted challenges to Indian independence.
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