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The impact of the Second World War on India

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The Second World War brought India's independence much closer, but also deepened the split between Congress and the Muslim League.

War and division

In 1939 the Viceroy declared war on India's behalf without consulting Indian leaders. Congress ministries resigned in protest.
The Muslim League cooperated more with Britain.
The Lahore Resolution (1940) called for independent states in Muslim-majority areas: the idea of Pakistan.

Cripps and Quit India

The Cripps Mission (1942) offered self-government after the war, but Congress rejected it.
In August 1942 Congress launched the Quit India campaign. The British arrested Gandhi, Nehru and other leaders, and protests were crushed.

Bose, famine and Wavell

Subhas Chandra Bose formed the Indian National Army to fight alongside Japan against Britain.
The Bengal famine of 1943 killed millions and damaged Britain's reputation.
Lord Wavell became Viceroy in 1943. By 1945 Britain was exhausted and ready to leave.
Worked example

Explain why the Second World War strengthened the Muslim League.

  1. Congress leaders resigned and were later jailed after Quit India.
  2. The League cooperated with Britain and had freedom to organise.
  3. It used this time to build support for Pakistan, set out in the Lahore Resolution.

Answer: With Congress leaders in jail, the League grew and promoted Pakistan.

Key idea

1939: India taken into war without consultation; Congress ministries resigned. 1940: Lahore Resolution (Pakistan). 1942: Cripps Mission rejected; Quit India; leaders jailed. Bose's Indian National Army fought with Japan. Wavell became Viceroy in 1943. The war left Britain ready to leave and the League stronger.

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