India’s Freedom Struggle and Second World War (1939

India’s struggle for independence and the tumultuous period of the Second World War were intertwined, each shaping the other in profound ways. As the world grappled with the cataclysmic events of the war, India found itself at a crossroads, torn between its aspirations for freedom and its colonial subjugation under British rule. The war acted as a catalyst, stirring the fervor for independence among Indians while also presenting complex challenges and opportunities. From the Quit India Movement to the Indian National Army, India’s quest for self-determination intersected with the global conflict, leaving an indelible mark on the course of history. This period witnessed a convergence of political upheaval, socio-economic transformations, and the emergence of new leadership, all of which would significantly shape the trajectory of India’s struggle for freedom.

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India’s Freedom Struggle and Second World War (1939 – 1945)

The Second World War, a global conflict that took place between 1939 and 1945, had a profound impact on nations across the world. It involved over 100 million individuals from more than 30 countries. This war stands out as one of the most devastating and destructive events in history, resulting in a staggering loss of life estimated between 70 and 85 million people. The casualties were caused by various factors such as genocides, including the Holocaust, as well as widespread famine, massacres, and the spread of diseases. The opposing sides were comprised of Germany, Italy, and Japan on one side, while the Allies, including France, the United Kingdom, the United States, the Soviet Union, and China to a lesser extent, formed the opposing coalition.

The causes of the Second World War are presented in a pointwise manner:

Aggressive and expansionist policies of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party: Hitler’s desire for territorial expansion and his aggressive actions, such as the invasion of Poland, were significant contributors to the outbreak of war.
Harsh Treaty of Versailles: The terms imposed on Germany after World War I through the Treaty of Versailles created a sense of resentment and economic instability, laying the groundwork for future conflicts.
Ineffectiveness of the League of Nations: The League of Nations, established after World War I, proved ineffective in preventing aggression by nations such as Germany, Italy, and Japan. The League’s failure to take strong action in response to events like the Spanish Civil War and the Japanese invasion of China highlighted its inability to maintain peace.
Expansionist ambitions of Axis powers: The involvement of future Axis powers, including Germany and Japan, in conflicts like the Spanish Civil War and the invasion of China, demonstrated their imperialistic aspirations without facing significant consequences. This lack of accountability fueled tensions and made the outbreak of war more likely.
Escalating tensions and diplomatic failures: Despite diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts and prevent war, tensions continued to rise, and diplomatic solutions proved unsuccessful in averting hostilities.
These factors collectively contributed to the inevitability of the Second World War, which ultimately erupted into a devastating global conflict.

India’s Involvement in the Second World War:

Start of the War: The Second World War began in September 1939 with Germany’s invasion of Poland as part of Adolf Hitler’s expansionist agenda.
Indian Government’s Entry: The Indian government decided to join the war without consulting the National Congress or the elected members of the central legislature.
Congress’ Demands: Before actively participating in the war, leaders of the Indian National Congress demanded that India be declared a free country or that effective power be transferred to the Congress. However, the British government rejected this demand.
Resignation of Congress Ministers: In response to the British government’s refusal, Congress ordered the resignation of its ministers from the provincial governments.
Gandhi’s Call for Satyagraha: In October 1940, Mahatma Gandhi called for a limited Satyagraha (nonviolent resistance) by a selected group of individuals.
Japanese Advances: By March 1942, Japan rapidly conquered the Philippines, Indo-China, Indonesia, Malaya, and Burma, and occupied Rangoon. This brought the war closer to India’s borders.
British Government’s Need for Indian Participation: With Japan’s advancements, the British government urgently sought active participation from Indians in the war effort to counter the Japanese threat.
India’s involvement in the war was marked by political tensions and demands for self-governance, particularly from the Indian National Congress. The British government’s desire for Indian support intensified as the war came closer to India’s shores due to Japanese advances in Southeast Asia.

National Movement During Second World War

Cripps Mission:

British Government’s Mission: In March 1942, the British government sent a mission to India led by Cabinet Minister Sir Stafford Cripps to secure cooperation from Indian leaders.
The goal of British Policy: Cripps declared that the objective of British policy in India was to achieve self-government as soon as possible.
Failed Negotiations: Detailed negotiations between the British government and Congress leaders fell through when the British government refused to accept the Congress’ demand for an immediate transfer of power to Indians.

Quit India Movement:

‘Quit India’ Resolution: On August 8, 1942, the All India Congress Committee passed the ‘Quit India’ Resolution, proposing a nonviolent mass struggle led by Mahatma Gandhi to achieve India’s independence.
Arrest of Congress Leaders: Gandhi and other Congress leaders were arrested on August 9, and the Congress was declared illegal.
Spontaneous Protests: The news of the arrests sparked widespread protests across the country, including strikes, demonstrations, and acts of civil disobedience.
Government Repression: The government responded with severe repression, including lathi charges, firing upon demonstrators, and even bombing from the air.
Suppression of the Movement: The government succeeded in crushing the movement, and the repression led to a decline in political activity within the country until the end of the war in 1945.

Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army):

Subhas Chandra Bose’s Actions: Subhas Chandra Bose fled India in March 1941, seeking assistance from the Soviet Union. He then moved to Germany when the Soviet Union joined the Allies.
Formation of INA: Bose established the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army or INA) in Singapore in 1943 to conduct a military campaign for India’s liberation, with Rash Behari Bose’s assistance.
Military Campaign with Japan: The INA joined the Japanese army on its march from Burma to India, aiming to enter India as liberators with Subhas Bose leading the Provisional Government of Free India.
Japan’s Defeat and Bose’s Death: With Japan’s defeat in 1944-45, Subhas Bose died in a plane crash while en route to Tokyo.
Following these events, the national movement shifted its focus outside India’s borders, and political activity within the country decreased until the end of the war.

India played a significant role in the Second World War, extending beyond the contribution of soldiers. Here are the key points:

Diverse Indian Contribution: Indian men and women from various backgrounds actively supported the war effort against fascism.
Merchant Supply Ships: Indians served on merchant supply ships, transporting essential supplies and food to soldiers in Europe.
Medical Personnel: Indian doctors and nurses played an important role in providing healthcare on British and other countries’ soil during the war.
Indian Comforts Fund (ICF): The ICF, established in 1939, distributed food packets, warm clothing, and other supplies to soldiers and Asian prisoners of war, with contributions from Indian and British women.

The impact of the Second World War on India was significant. Here are the key points:

Loss of Lives: Over 87,000 Indian soldiers (including those from present-day Pakistan and Bangladesh) and 3 million civilians died during the war.
Economic and Political Changes: The war brought about economic and political transformations in India. Defense spending increased substantially, financed through war loans, higher taxes, and raised customs duties. Income tax was also implemented.
Price Inflation and Impact on People: Between 1913 and 1918, prices more than doubled, which affected ordinary people in India.
Economic Boost: The war led to the growth of India’s economy, industrialization, and employment opportunities.
Financial Debt: India spent more money than Britain during the war, resulting in a significant “sterling debt” owed to India by Britain when India gained independence.
British Utilization of Indian Resources: The British used India’s resources to support their imperial war effort.
Suppression of Quit India Movement: In 1942, the British crushed the Quit India Movement led by Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress, highlighting their desperation to retain India’s support and army.
These factors collectively shaped India’s experience during the war and had long-lasting effects on the country’s economy, politics, and independence movement.

During the time of the Second World War, political activity in India was marked by significant developments and conflicts among various political parties. Here are the key points:

Congress’s Resignation: In November 1939, the Indian National Congress ordered its provincial ministries to resign in protest against India’s entry into World War II without consulting Indian leaders.
Muslim League’s Opportunity: The Muslim League, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, saw Congress’s withdrawal from the government as a chance to advance its own agenda. On December 22, 1939, they observed a day of thanksgiving.
Pakistan Resolution: In 1940, Jinnah persuaded the Muslim League to adopt the Pakistan Resolution at their annual session in Lahore. This resolution demanded the division of India into separate sovereign states, one for Muslims and one for Hindus.
Congress’s Demands: When World War II broke out, Congress demanded complete and immediate independence for India in exchange for Indian participation in the war. The Congress planned a civil disobedience campaign against the war, but its leaders were arrested before it could begin.
Congress Agitations and Arrests: Between 1940 and 1942, Congress launched two unsuccessful agitations against British rule, resulting in the arrest of around 60,000 Congress members, including Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.
Quit India Campaign: In 1942, Congress passed a resolution demanding the British to leave India. Mahatma Gandhi supported the Quit India Campaign, advocating passive resistance against British rule during the war.
Contrasting Approaches: Unlike the Congress, which was uncooperative and belligerent towards the British during the war, the Muslim League supported the British.
Stalemate: The British attempted to accommodate the demands of both the Congress and the Muslim League while preserving India’s unity. However, their efforts were met with rejection, leading to a three-way stalemate between the British, Congress, and Muslim League.
During this period, the demand for Pakistan gained momentum, and political tensions between different groups intensified, laying the groundwork for the eventual partition of India in 1947.

The beginning of World War II was marked by various significant events and military actions. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

Start of World War II:

On September 3, 1939, two days after Hitler’s armies invaded Poland, World War II officially began.
The war involved the Axis Powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan) and the Allies (United Kingdom, France, Commonwealth countries, the United States, and the Soviet Union).

Phoney War:

During the initial months of the war, Western Europe experienced a period of relative quiet and low military activity.
This phase is known as the “phoney war” or the “Sitzkrieg.”
Despite preparations for war, there were few signs of actual conflict, and civilians from Western European countries (allied powers) were evacuated to safer locations.

Treaty of Ribbentrop (Ribbentrop Pact):

In early 1939, Adolf Hitler decided to invade and occupy Poland.
Poland had military guarantees from France and the United Kingdom in case of a German attack.
To neutralize the possibility of Soviet resistance to the invasion of Poland, Hitler signed the German-Soviet Nonaggression Pact in Moscow in August 1939.
In September, Russia also invaded Poland, and the country was divided between Germany and the Soviet Union by the end of the year.

The Winter War of 1940:

The “Winter War” took place between Russia and Finland and ended in March 1940.
Following this, Germany invaded Denmark and Norway the next month.

France’s Fall, 1940:

Germany quickly conquered France, and an armistice was signed between Germany and the puppet French Vichy government.
After France’s defeat, Hitler focused on planning an invasion of the United Kingdom.

Battle of Britain 1940:

The Battle of Britain was a significant air battle fought entirely in the skies over southern England from July to September 1940.
Germany’s failure to defeat the Royal Air Force (RAF) and gain control of the skies made their plans for an invasion of Britain virtually impossible.
These events marked the early stages of World War II and set the stage for further conflicts and developments as the war continued to unfold.

The expansion of the conflict during World War II brought about significant developments and the involvement of various nations. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

Operation Barbarossa:

In 1941, after facing defeats in Britain, Hitler violated the German-Soviet Nonaggression Pact and launched Operation Barbarossa, invading the Soviet Union.
The initial German push was swift, with the fall of Sebastopol in October and an attack on Moscow by the end of the year.
However, the German forces faced challenges due to the harsh Russian winter, similar to Napoleon’s experience decades before.
The Soviets launched a counterattack in December, and the Eastern Front remained largely stagnant until the spring.

Pearl Harbor:

On December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise attack on the US Navy base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
This attack led to the United States’ entry into World War II, with Germany declaring war on the US a few days later.
Japan also swiftly invaded the Philippines, Burma, and Hong Kong within a week of the Pearl Harbor attack.

American Entry Into the War:

The Battle of Midway in 1942 marked a turning point for the United States in World War II. US sea-based aircraft destroyed four Japanese carriers and a cruiser in this battle.
The news of the Nazis’ mass murders of Jews reached the Allies, and the US vowed to avenge the crimes, further solidifying their commitment to the war effort.
These events intensified the global conflict and expanded the scope of World War II, involving major powers like the Soviet Union, Germany, the United States, and Japan in significant military actions across different regions.

key major wins for the Allies in World War 2:

By mid-1942, British forces had taken control of North Africa, while Russian forces launched a counter-offensive at Stalingrad.
In February 1943, Germany surrendered to the Soviet Union at Stalingrad, the first major defeat for Hitler’s armies.
In North Africa, German and Italian forces also surrendered to the Allies.
As the Russian advance accelerated on the Eastern Front, Germany lost control of Kharkiv and Kyiv. Allied bombers also began massive daylight raids on German cities.
On April 21, 1945, the Russians arrived in Berlin, Germany’s capital.
On April 30, two days after Mussolini was captured and killed by Italian partisans, Hitler committed suicide.
On May 7, Germany unconditionally surrendered, marking Victory in Europe (VE) Day and the end of the war in Europe.
The key major wins were: the defeat of the Germans at Stalingrad, the Allied victory in North Africa, the Russian re-capture of Kharkiv and Kyiv, the bombing of Germany, the fall of Berlin, and the final surrender of Germany in May 1945.

Here are the key points on the nuclear bombing of Japan and the consequences of World War II:

With plans for an Allied invasion of Japan underway, fears of fierce resistance and massive casualties prompted the US to approve atomic bombs against Japan.
Bombs had been in development since 1942. One was dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945.
A third bomb was dropped on Nagasaki three days later. No country could withstand such assaults, and Japan surrendered on August 14.
World War II ended with Japan’s surrender.

Consequences of WWII:

Imperialism was coming to an end, with decolonization beginning in Asia and Africa, as nationalist movements gained power.
Dictatorships ended in Germany and Italy. Germany was split into East and West. West Germany was occupied by the US, UK, and France, while the USSR occupied East Germany.
Millions of people died in the war. Economic issues like unemployment and low growth followed.
The Bretton Woods Conference in 1944 laid the postwar economic order, devising the World Bank for reconstruction and the IMF to stabilize exchange rates. The US dollar became the reserve currency.
Two power blocs emerged – the US and USSR, sparking the Cold War.
The Third World of newly independent countries emerged.
The United Nations was founded in 1945.

The outcomes of World War II were far-reaching and shaped the world in numerous ways. Here are some key outcomes:

The Atlantic Charter:

The Atlantic Charter, established in 1941, set important post-war goals and ideals for the international community.
It inspired international agreements, most notably the creation of the United Nations (UN), and influenced policies such as the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT).
The Charter emphasized principles like self-determination, global economic cooperation, disarmament, and freedom of the seas.

The United Nations:

The United Nations was established as a successor to the ineffective League of Nations to prevent future conflicts.
The UN Charter, drafted in 1945, came into effect on October 24, 1945, and the UN commenced its operations.
The UN Security Council’s permanent members were the victorious great powers of World War II: France, China, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, and the United States.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights:

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948 as a response to the atrocities of World War II.
The UDHR urged member nations to promote various human, civil, economic, and social rights as the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world.

Advances in Technology and Warfare:

World War II spurred significant advancements in technology and warfare.
Aerial warfare saw innovations in aircraft roles, such as reconnaissance, fighters, bombers, and ground support, along with improvements in airlift and strategic bombing capabilities.
Naval warfare witnessed the development of aircraft carriers and submarines.
Land warfare shifted from static trench warfare to increased mobility and combined arms, with tanks becoming a primary weapon.
Encryption and codebreaking technologies advanced, most notably with the development of the German Enigma machine.

Other Technological and Engineering Feats:

World War II also saw the development of programmable computers (Z3, Colossus, and ENIAC), guided missiles, nuclear weapons (Manhattan Project), operations research, and engineering achievements like artificial harbours and oil pipelines under the English Channel.
These outcomes of World War II had a profound impact on global politics, international relations, human rights, technological advancements, and warfare strategies, shaping the post-war world and laying the foundation for a new era in history.

The impact of World War II on India was multi-faceted and had significant consequences for the country. Here are some key points:

Marks of Progress:

During World War II, India witnessed massive training efforts, the construction of airfields, and the development of ports. This transformation significantly improved the dockyards of Bombay, Calcutta, Cochin, and Trincomalee.
The number of airfields in India increased from a few at the beginning of the war to over 200, with many airports today being legacies of that wartime effort.

The Ruination of Rural Economies:

The period of World War II resulted in the ruination of rural economies in India, partly due to the diversion of food and resources for the war effort.
The Bengal Famine in 1943 was a devastating consequence of the war, with the British refusing to halt supplies from India to aid those suffering in the region. This fueled nationalist sentiments and calls for freedom.

Congress Resignation from Provincial Government:

The Indian National Congress (INC) expected to be consulted by the British regarding the role of Indian troops in the war. However, the British declared Indian troops at war with Germany without consulting Congress.
In response, Congress members resigned from their ministries at the provincial level as a protest against the British’s unilateral decision.

Grant of Independence to India:

While the British initially crushed agitations and maintained control over India during the war, they faced difficulties after the war.
The British’s focus on rebuilding their economy and the failure of diplomatic missions like the Cripps Mission and Cabinet Mission led to the eventual announcement of the partition of India into India and Pakistan in 1947.
Overall, World War II had a profound impact on India’s economy, politics, and calls for independence. The war brought both progress and hardships to the country and contributed significantly to India’s eventual independence from British rule.

Conclusion

The Second World War left a lasting impact on the global stage, reshaping political dynamics and social structures. The establishment of the United Nations marked a new era of international cooperation and conflict prevention, with the victorious powers taking prominent roles in global affairs. The emergence of the Soviet Union and the United States as superpowers led to the onset of the Cold War, a period of intense rivalry and geopolitical tensions.
The war’s devastating effects on Europe weakened the great powers’ influence and prompted the decolonization of Africa and Asia, as colonial empires crumbled. Many nations, despite facing destruction, started to rebuild and expand their economies in the post-war era. Political and economic integration efforts, particularly in Europe, aimed to foster a sense of common identity and prevent future hostilities.
Overall, the Second World War marked a turning point in history, with its consequences reverberating across continents and shaping the geopolitical landscape for years to come. The lessons learned from this global conflict continue to influence international relations, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy, cooperation, and the pursuit of lasting peace.

FAQs

Q: What was the impact of the Second World War on India’s Freedom Struggle?

A: The Second World War significantly influenced India’s Freedom Struggle in several ways. It accelerated the demand for independence as Indians became disillusioned with British rule, seeing it as hypocritical to fight for freedom while being subjugated. The British government’s decision to involve Indian soldiers and resources in the war effort without consulting Indian leaders caused resentment and fueled nationalist sentiment. Additionally, the war weakened the British economically and militarily, making it increasingly difficult for them to maintain control over their colonies, including India.

Q: How did Indian participation in the Second World War affect the country’s political landscape?

A: Indian participation in the Second World War had a profound impact on the country’s political landscape. The Indian National Congress, led by figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, launched the Quit India Movement in 1942, demanding immediate British withdrawal from India. This led to widespread civil disobedience and further strained relations between the British government and Indian nationalists. Additionally, the emergence of Subhas Chandra Bose and the Indian National Army, which allied with Axis powers against the British, highlighted the diversity of perspectives within the Indian independence movement and added complexity to the struggle for freedom.

Q: How did the Quit India Movement contribute to India’s path to independence?

A: The Quit India Movement of 1942 marked a significant turning point in India’s struggle for independence. It was a mass protest against British rule, demanding an immediate end to colonial domination. Despite being met with harsh repression by the British authorities, including arrests of Congress leaders and widespread violence, the movement galvanized public support and strengthened the resolve of Indian nationalists. The widespread participation in civil disobedience actions during the movement showcased the depth of Indian desire for self-rule. Although the immediate impact did not lead to independence, the movement played a crucial role in delegitimizing British rule and paving the way for India’s eventual independence in 1947.

Q: How did the Second World War impact the Indian economy and society?

A: The Second World War had significant repercussions on the Indian economy and society. India’s resources, industries, and manpower were mobilized to support the war effort, leading to economic strain and disruptions. Food shortages, inflation, and unemployment were rampant, exacerbating the hardships faced by ordinary Indians. The war also brought social changes, as large numbers of Indian men enlisted in the military, and women took on new roles in factories and agriculture to fill the labor gaps. Additionally, the war heightened communal tensions, particularly between Hindus and Muslims, which would later culminate in the partition of India in 1947.

Q: How did the role of Indian soldiers in the Second World War contribute to nationalist sentiments?

A: The participation of Indian soldiers in the Second World War played a crucial role in shaping nationalist sentiments. Over two million Indian soldiers served in various theaters of the war, fighting alongside British forces against Axis powers. Despite their sacrifices, Indian soldiers often faced discrimination and were treated as second-class citizens by their British commanders. This experience highlighted the hypocrisy of fighting for freedom and democracy abroad while being denied the same rights at home. Many Indian soldiers returned from the war with heightened nationalist sentiments, feeling a sense of betrayal by the British government. Their experiences fueled the demand for independence and contributed to the momentum of the Indian Freedom Struggle.

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India’s Freedom Struggle and Second World War (1939 – 1945) – UPSC Modern History Notes