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The Rowlatt Acts, Amritsar and the 1919 Act
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India expected rewards for its help in the First World War. Instead, 1919 brought repression and a massacre that changed Indian opinion.
The impact of the First World War
Over a million Indian soldiers served abroad, and India paid heavily in money and goods.
Many Indians expected progress towards self-government in return.
Prices rose and there was hardship.
Many Indians expected progress towards self-government in return.
Prices rose and there was hardship.
The Rowlatt Acts and the 1919 Act
The Rowlatt Acts (1919) let the British imprison suspects without trial, continuing wartime powers. Indians were outraged; Gandhi called a protest.
The Government of India Act (1919) introduced dyarchy: elected Indian ministers controlled some areas in the provinces (such as health and education), but the British kept control of key areas such as finance and police.
The Government of India Act (1919) introduced dyarchy: elected Indian ministers controlled some areas in the provinces (such as health and education), but the British kept control of key areas such as finance and police.
The Amritsar Massacre, 13 April 1919
In the Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, General Dyer ordered troops to fire on an unarmed crowd in an enclosed space.
The official figure was 379 killed and over a thousand wounded; Indian estimates were higher.
Some in Britain praised Dyer. The massacre turned many moderate Indians, including Gandhi, against British rule.
The official figure was 379 killed and over a thousand wounded; Indian estimates were higher.
Some in Britain praised Dyer. The massacre turned many moderate Indians, including Gandhi, against British rule.
Explain why the Amritsar Massacre was a turning point.
- Troops killed hundreds of unarmed people.
- Some British people praised General Dyer.
- Moderate Indians lost faith in British rule and backed Gandhi's campaigns.
Answer: It convinced many moderates that British rule had to end.
India's huge war effort raised hopes of self-government. Instead came the Rowlatt Acts (imprisonment without trial) and only limited reform in the 1919 Act (dyarchy). The Amritsar Massacre (13 April 1919) turned many moderates against Britain.
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