Nationalists’ response to British Participation in World Wars

Published on 07 Oct 2025

First World War

• Indian National Congress: Initially supported British war efforts in hopes of gaining political concessions, but later withdrew support due to dissatisfaction with the lack of significant reforms offered in return.

• Muslim League: Initially supported British war efforts, hoping for political recognition and concessions for Muslims, but later became disillusioned with British promises.

• Ghadar Party and other radical groups: Opposed British participation, seeing it as an opportunity to weaken British rule in India and advocate for immediate independence.

• Non-cooperation Movement: Led by Mahatma Gandhi, advocated for non-cooperation with the British war effort as a means of pressing for Indian independence.

Second World War

• Indian National Congress: Initially demanded British commitment to Indian independence as a condition for support, but later withdrew cooperation due to British failure to meet these demands.

• Muslim League: Initially supported British war efforts, hoping for political recognition and concessions for Muslims, but later demanded the creation of Pakistan as a separate Muslim state.

• Subhas Chandra Bose and the Indian National Army (INA): Allied with Axis powers and fought against the British, seeking to exploit the war to overthrow British rule in India.

• Quit India Movement: Led by the Indian National Congress, demanded immediate British withdrawal from India and launched mass civil disobedience against British rule.

Tags:
History & Culture

Keywords:
Nationalists’ response to British Participation in World Wars National movement independence movement freedom struggle First World War Indian National Congress INC Muslim League Ghadar Mahatma Gandhi non cooperation Second World War Subhas Chandra Bose Indian national Army INA Quit India Movement

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 1

Topics:
Freedom Struggle