CONGRESS STAND ON EVE OF WORLD WAR II:
It would cooperate in war if
(i) freedom was given after the War.
(ii) some form of genuinely responsible government was
immediately set up.
September 1, 1939: World War-II broke out and Britain
declared India's support for war. September 10-14, 1939: At
CWC meeting at Vardha: Gandhi was for unconditional support
to Britain's war efforts.
Subhash Bose and Leftists were, for
taking advantage of Britain's difficulties and starting a
mass movement to dislodge colonialism.
Nehru recognised the imperialist nature of the war, but was against taking
advantage of Britain's difficulties, as well as against
Indian participation in war.
The CWC resolved—No Indian
participation unless freedom is granted; Government should
declare its war aims soon.
LINLITHGOW'S STATEMENT (OCTOBER
17, 1939) Britain's war aim is to resist aggression. All
interest groups are to be consulted to modify 1935 Act for
future. Immediately a "consultative committee" is to be
formed for advising functions.
CONGRESS' RESPONSE
No Indian support to the war Congress ministries in
provinces to resign But no immediate mass struggle to be
launched.
MARCH 1940 "Pakistan Resolution" passed at Lahore
session of Muslim League AUGUST OFFER (AUGUST 1940).
Dominion status to be the long-term objective After the war.
constituent assembly to be formed comprising mainly Indians
Minorities consent to be essential for any future settlement.
Congress rejected the Offer
OCTOBER 1940 Congress launched individual civil disobedience movement;
25000 satyagrahis courted arrest;
MARCH 1942 Japan reached Rangoon after having overrun almost the whole
of South-East Asia.
CRIPPS MISSION (MARCH 1942) It offered—
an Indian Union with dominion status, with right to withdraw from
Commonwealth.
after war, a constituent assembly elected by provincial assemblies to
frame the constitution.
freedom to any province unwilling to join the Union to have a separate
agreement with Britain. Meanwhile, defence of India to remain in British
hands.
The Congress objected to
* dominion status
* right of provinces to secede
* no immediate transfer of power
* retention of governor-general's supremacy.
The Muslim League objected to
* Pakistan not being explicitly offered.
the machinery for creation of Constituent Assembly.
QUIT INDIA MOVEMENT
Why launch a movement now?
Failure of Cripps Offer, an evidence of British lack of will to concede
Indian demands.
Public discontent against wartime hardships.
A feeling of imminent British collapse.
Indian leadership's desire to prepare masses for possible Japanese invasion.
AICC Meeting (Bombay—August 8, 1942).
The meeting ratified Quit India Resolution.
August 9, 1942 All prominent leaders arrested.
Major Activity
Public on rampage, especially Eastern UP, Bihar, Bengal— attacking
symbols of authority.
Underground activity.
to provide a line of command.
Parallel governments in Ballia (UP), Tamluk (Bengal) and Satara
(Maharashtra).
Sections participating included youth, women, workers, peasants,
government officials, some communists.
February 1943: Gandhi started a fast.
March 23, 1943: Pakistan Day observed.
C. RAJAGOPALACHARI FORMULA (MARCH 1944) League should immediately
support independence for India and cooperate in Interim Government After
War.
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