Discontent to Outrage 1901-19

Curzon
Tarnished the image of Britain when he ordered an expedition into Tibet as he feared Russian expansion as images of blood soaked monks defending their territory spread across the globe.

Curzons positives
He increased railway network by 10,000km Established the Indian archaeological survey Doubled the size of Kashmir Resigned after row with kitchener.

Partition of Bengal 1905

Western Bengal had a total population of 54 million Eastern Bengal had a total population of 31 million, including 12 million hindus and 18 million muslims

Reaction to partition
Bengali hindus were outraged by what they saw as an attempt to divide and rule. Muslims were delighted with the majority in the new eastern province as it provided them with a power base if Indians were able to elect provincial governments.

Reaction to partition continued

A popular campaign of swadesh developed. This was a boycott of british goods, Lancashire cotton in particular which was publically burned. Increase in terrorist activity in Bengal. In 1908 2 European women were killed when a bomb intended for a local judge was thrown into the wrong carriage. 1909 terrorism came to London when an official at the india office was shot in the street by a punjabi seeking political martyrdom.

Simla delegation
70 Muslim leaders travelled to the british capital of simla in october 1906 to present a plan for seperate electorates for Muslims in any future political reforms.

Motives for the morley-minto reforms

The widespread agitation over the partition of Bengal and support for swadesh. Fear of a mutiny from Punjab army Increasingly active congress.

1909 Indian Councils Act

60 Indian representatives were elected to serve on the viceroys council; Officials remained in the majority. Provincial councils enlarged to create non official majorities. Separate electorates were provided for Muslims and Hindus to allow Muslims to have a voice in the various councils.

Effects of the reforms

Muslims were satisfied with the separate electorates. Congress welcomed reforms but disliked separate electorates. Extremists-wanted further change. Voting was restricted to the rich and privileged Raj supporters. British administrators were disappointed with the changes as it diluted their power. Bengal reunited in1911

WW1 1914-18
Thousands of individuals volunteered for military service and pledged their loyalty.(congress, Muslim league, princes) 27 of the largest princely states immediately put their imperial troops at the viceroys disposal. A hospital ship, the loyalty, was commissioned, fully fitted and provisioned by the princes. By November 1918, 827,000 Indians enlisted. Boosted nationalism as well as increase support for raj.

Effects of WW1
Shortages of fuel and high rising prices. During the war, food grain prices rose by 93% Indian manufacturers benefited. Share holders saw their dividends rocket. In Bombay dividends for cloth mills jumped from 6% in 1914 to 30% in 1917

Problem of religion
When Turkey entered the war, there were 3 mutinies. This occurred where they thought they were going to be sent to fight against turks.

Home Rule leagues

Established 1916 2 political organisations set up, one by tilak and one by Annie besant. It involved only management of internal Indian affairs. Defence and foreign policy remained with the British. After 1 year, 60,000 Indians joined home rule leagues.

Response to Home Rule leagues

Congress at first were reluctant to join. However when Tilak and Annie Besant were arrested they swung their support over to the home rule league campaigns.

Lucknow Pact 1916

An agreement between congress and the Muslim league whereby it was agreed that the Muslims would have a fixed proportion on seats.

Montague Declaration 1919

Viceroy was to be advised by 6 civilians, 3 of whom had to be Indian. The viceroy could enforce laws even if the legislative council rejected them. Provincial and legislative councils enlarged. Provincial councils given control over Indian education, agriculture, health, local self government and public works. Britain retained control over foreign and military affairs.

Effects of Government of India act 1919

Home rule leagues disappointed As details of the reforms become known, unrest and violence increased. INC (Indian national congress) rejected the act and boycotted first elections.

Other factors that put strain on indian

Spanish flew pandemic across Europe. In India 13 million died as a result. Unemployment due to the collapse of the demand of war materials. Failure of a monsoon. There was a regional famine.

Response from British to Indian councils act 1919

Rowlatt acts Unlimited detention without trial, trial without jury, censorship and house arrest. All 22 Indian members of the imperial legislative council opposed the bill. Gandhi declared a hartal on April 6th 1919 Hartals turned into widespread violence.

Amritsar Massacre
2 doctors organised a series of hartals as a protest against the rowlatt acts. The British authorities decided to arrest the 2 men and trouble broke out and rioting began at first as support for the 2 men. However it quickly turned into an anti-european attack. 3 Europeans were killed Marcia Sherwood was brutally beaten by Hindus but also found and treated by Hindus.

Amritsar continued
Dyer arrived at amritsar with about 1000 troops equipped with machine guns. 12th April Dyer led 400 troops through the streets of amritsar. 13th April was a religious festival and many flocked to work at the golden temple. Dyers men fired 1620 rounds of ammunition killing 379 people and a further 1200 wounded who were left to fend for themselves

Martial Law
Indians prevented from travelling No more than 2 Indians were allowed to walk abreast The cities water and electricity was cut off causing great hardship on many Indians. Crawling order All Indian lawyers forced to work as constables.

Reactions
Hunter committee 11th nov 1919 hunter and his colleagues arrived in Lahore Punjab sub committee Morning post raise 26,000 for Dyer and presented him with a sword of honour. So some Dyer was a hero and to others, had ruined the British. Lords and commons disagreed on amritsar. Millions of loyal indians turned against the raj.

Divided congress
Tilak wanted to use force for self government Motilal Gokhale-non violence-wanted dominion status.