Outbreak of WWII

Outbreak of WWII

1. Linlithgow announcement

   • "Confronted with the demand that she should accept the dictation of a foreign power in relation to her subject, India has decided to stand firm"
     • Seen as hypocritical
       • He stated that India will fight against a foreign power, (Germany) but the Brits themselves were a foreign power
     • Caused Anger
       • No consultation/discussion with Indians
         • doesn't ask the people, just states they will fight
           • People annoyed by lack of input from Indian people

2. Reaction

   • Gandhi
     • Suggested that Brits should use ahimsa against Hitler
       • Also suggested that he goes to talk to Hitler
         • Try to prevent a war by trying to get him to realise his wrongdoing
           • Shows Gandhi is an idealist who will never drop his principles
   • Nehru
     • Nehru + Congress members were more than willing to fight against fascism and racism
       • Were on board with the British
         • Until the declaration of war
           • Where Congress protest by getting all Congress ministers to resign from their provincial govts
             • Muslim League reps take their place

3. Stats

   • 2 million approx Indians sign up to fight
     • with no conscription of drafting
       • double the amount that volunteered for previous war