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Indian independence and the end of empire
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In 1947 India won independence, the start of the end of the British Empire. Within a few decades most colonies had become independent.
The independence movement
The Indian National Congress, founded in 1885, campaigned for more self-rule.
In 1919 British troops fired on an unarmed crowd at Amritsar, killing hundreds. It turned many Indians against British rule.
Mohandas Gandhi led non-violent protests. In the Salt March (1930) he walked to the sea to make salt, breaking a British law that taxed it.
In 1919 British troops fired on an unarmed crowd at Amritsar, killing hundreds. It turned many Indians against British rule.
Mohandas Gandhi led non-violent protests. In the Salt March (1930) he walked to the sea to make salt, breaking a British law that taxed it.
Independence and Partition, 1947
After the Second World War Britain was weak and in debt, and the demand for independence was huge.
On 15 August 1947 British India became two independent countries: India (led by Jawaharlal Nehru) and Pakistan (led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah). This is called Partition.
Millions of Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs crossed the new borders, and terrible violence killed hundreds of thousands of people or more. Gandhi was assassinated in 1948.
On 15 August 1947 British India became two independent countries: India (led by Jawaharlal Nehru) and Pakistan (led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah). This is called Partition.
Millions of Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs crossed the new borders, and terrible violence killed hundreds of thousands of people or more. Gandhi was assassinated in 1948.
Decolonisation
Other colonies followed. Ghana became independent in 1957 and Kenya in 1963, after the violent conflict of the Mau Mau uprising.
In 1960 Prime Minister Harold Macmillan spoke of a 'wind of change' blowing through Africa.
Most former colonies joined the Commonwealth, a voluntary association of countries.
In 1960 Prime Minister Harold Macmillan spoke of a 'wind of change' blowing through Africa.
Most former colonies joined the Commonwealth, a voluntary association of countries.
Why did Britain leave India in 1947?
- Decades of protest, led by Congress and Gandhi, made British rule hard to keep.
- The Second World War left Britain weak and in debt.
- The new Labour government supported independence and wanted to leave quickly.
Answer: Strong Indian nationalism, a weakened Britain, and a government willing to go.
Congress (1885); Amritsar (1919); Gandhi's non-violence and the Salt March (1930). Independence and Partition into India and Pakistan on 15 August 1947, with huge migration and violence. Ghana (1957) and Kenya (1963) followed; most ex-colonies joined the Commonwealth.
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