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Communal violence, independence and partition, 1945 to 47
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In 1947 India became independent, but it was split into two countries, India and Pakistan, amid terrible violence.
Failed talks
The Simla Conference (1945) failed over who would represent Muslims.
The new Labour government (1945) wanted to leave India quickly.
The Cabinet Mission (1946) proposed a united India with strong provinces; it broke down amid mistrust between Congress and the League.
The new Labour government (1945) wanted to leave India quickly.
The Cabinet Mission (1946) proposed a united India with strong provinces; it broke down amid mistrust between Congress and the League.
Direct Action and violence
Jinnah called for Direct Action Day (16 August 1946) to press for Pakistan.
In Calcutta thousands were killed in fighting between Hindus and Muslims, and violence spread.
It became clear that a united India could not be agreed.
In Calcutta thousands were killed in fighting between Hindus and Muslims, and violence spread.
It became clear that a united India could not be agreed.
Mountbatten and partition
Lord Mountbatten became Viceroy in 1947 and brought forward the date of independence.
On 14 to 15 August 1947, Pakistan and India became independent.
Consequences: millions of people fled across the new borders; hundreds of thousands, possibly over a million, were killed.
The princely states had to join India or Pakistan; the dispute over Kashmir led to war.
On 14 to 15 August 1947, Pakistan and India became independent.
Consequences: millions of people fled across the new borders; hundreds of thousands, possibly over a million, were killed.
The princely states had to join India or Pakistan; the dispute over Kashmir led to war.
Why did Mountbatten speed up independence?
- Communal violence was spreading after Direct Action Day.
- Britain could no longer keep order and wanted to leave.
- He believed a quick handover, with partition, would limit the bloodshed.
Answer: To hand over power before violence spread further.
The Simla Conference (1945) and Cabinet Mission (1946) failed. Direct Action Day (August 1946) sparked killing in Calcutta. Mountbatten sped up independence: India and Pakistan became independent in August 1947. Partition caused mass migration and violence; Kashmir became a lasting dispute.
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