Modern-indian-history / First Phase of Revolutionary Activities (1907-1917) / First World War and Nationalist Response
First World War and Nationalist Response
Moderates, Extremists, and Revolutionaries
During the First World War (1914–1919), Britain formed an alliance with France, Russia, the USA, Italy, and Japan against Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Turkey. The nationalist response in India to British participation in the war was diverse:
- Moderates:
- The Moderates, representing a more conservative wing of the Indian National Congress, supported the British Empire in the war as a matter of duty.
- Their support was rooted in the belief that by backing Britain during the war, India would gain goodwill, and in return, the British might consider granting self-government to India.
- Extremists:
- The Extremists, including leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak (who had been released in June 1914), also supported the war efforts. They believed that India's loyalty to Britain during the war would be reciprocated with constitutional concessions.
- This support was based on the mistaken belief that British gratitude for Indian cooperation during the war would translate into a commitment to self-government.
- Revolutionaries:
- The revolutionaries, however, saw the war as an opportunity to wage a direct war against British rule and liberate the country.
- Groups like the Ghadr Party in North America and the Berlin Committee in Europe played significant roles during this period. They sought support from Germany and Turkey, enemies of Britain, with the hope of financial and military assistance.
Nationalist Perspectives
- The Indian supporters of British war efforts failed to grasp that imperialist powers were primarily fighting to safeguard their own colonies and markets.
- The revolutionaries saw the War as a strategic opportunity to weaken British control over India, considering the drain on British resources and the potential for external support.
Revolutionary Activity
- The Ghadr Party in North America, the Berlin Committee in Europe, and scattered mutinies by Indian soldiers, such as the one in Singapore, were manifestations of revolutionary activity during this period.
- The revolutionaries aimed for immediate and complete independence, viewing the War as a chance to exploit Britain's vulnerabilities.
This period marked the maturing of Indian nationalism, with different factions within the nationalist movement responding to the global conflict in varied ways. The aftermath of the War would see significant political developments in India, including the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the emergence of Mahatma Gandhi's non-cooperation movement.
