The First World War (WWI) was a global conflict that changed the face of the world. It also had a profound impact on Indian history, as it helped to spark the Indian national movement and its struggle for independence. In this article, we will discuss how WWI helped to grow the national movement in India and the impact it had on Indian history.
India’s Struggle for Independence
India had been under British rule for centuries, and many Indians felt that the situation could not continue. As the war progressed, the Indian people began to see the hypocrisy of the British government, which was demanding that India contribute to the war effort while denying it independence. This realization led to the growth of the national movement in India, with many Indians joining the struggle for independence from British rule.
The Indian National Congress (INC) was the main political body that spearheaded this movement. It was founded in 1885 and was the first Indian political party to call for independence. During WWI, the INC organized protests and campaigns to raise awareness of the struggle for independence. This included the famous Rowlatt Satyagraha in 1919, which saw thousands of Indians protesting against the British government.
Impact of WWI on Nationalism
WWI had a significant impact on the growth of nationalism in India. The war highlighted the hypocrisy of the British government, which was demanding that India contribute to the war effort while denying it independence. This realization led to increased support for the INC and the national movement in India.
WWI also sparked a new kind of nationalism in India. It was no longer just about independence from British rule, but about the idea of a united, independent India. This was reflected in the INC’s call for a “Home Rule League” in 1916, which was a movement for self-rule. This idea of a unified India was further strengthened by the emergence of Mahatma Gandhi, who was a strong proponent of non-violent protest and nationalism.
WWI also had an impact on the Indian economy. The war saw an increase in the demand for Indian goods, which led to a boom in the Indian economy. This, in turn, helped to fund the national movement in India, as it enabled the INC to provide financial support to the struggle for independence.
In conclusion, the First World War had a significant impact on the growth of the national movement in India. It highlighted the hypocrisy of the British government and sparked a new kind of nationalism in India. It also helped to fund the national movement by providing a boost to
