Unit 2 WHI02 Breadth Study: India, 1857-1948

These flashcards cover important events, concepts, and figures related to the history of India between 1857 and 1948, focusing on British control, the rise of nationalism, and the impact of global events like World War I and II.

What was the significance of the Indian Mutiny in 1857 for British control in India?

It marked the transition from East India Company control to direct British Crown rule, resulting in significant political, social, and economic changes.

What does the term 'British Raj' refer to?

The period of British rule over India from 1858 to 1947.

What was the Government of India Act 1858?

An act that transferred powers from the East India Company to the British Crown, establishing direct rule over India.

What was the impact of the Rowlatt Acts of 1919?

They permitted the British government to imprison Indians without trial, leading to widespread resentment and civil unrest.

Who was the first leader of the Indian National Congress?

The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885, with Allan Octavian Hume being a key figure in its inception.

What is the meaning of 'Satyagraha' as proposed by Gandhi?

A non-violent resistance movement that aims to assert the truth and achieve political change through peaceful means.

What were the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms?

Reforms introduced in 1919 that expanded Indian participation in governance through the introduction of dyarchy in provincial councils.

What was the Lahore Resolution of 1940?

A key demand from the Muslim League calling for independent states for Muslims in the northwest and eastern zones of India.

What prompted the partition of India in 1947?

Rising communal tensions between Hindus and Muslims, especially after the failure of political negotiations between Congress and the Muslim League.

What was the role of the Indian National Army during WWII?

Led by Subhas Chandra Bose, it sought to expel the British from India with Japanese support, highlighting the revolutionary aspect of the independence movement.

What was the economic impact of British rule on India?

While British investments in infrastructure occurred, the economic policies largely exploited Indian resources, leading to poverty and famines among the Indian populace.

How did the British administer India post-1858?

India was governed through a centralized colonial system, utilizing both British officials and a small number of Indian collaborators in lower administrative posts.

What was the effect of the Amritsar Massacre in 1919?

It galvanized Indian sentiment against British rule, deepening distrust and leading to a surge in nationalist movements.

What event significantly contributed to the growth of Indian nationalism in the 1920s?

The Non-Cooperation Movement led by Gandhi, which united various segments of Indian society in opposition to British rule.