World War II (1939-1945) had a profound impact on India’s struggle for independence. While the British were engaged in a global conflict, the Indian National Congress, led by Mahatma Gandhi, saw an opportunity to intensify the demand for complete freedom. This led to the launch of the Quit India Movement in 1942, marking one of the most significant milestones in India’s fight against colonial rule.
India and World War II
When Britain declared war on Germany in 1939, it also included India in the war effort without consulting Indian leaders. This decision angered the Indian National Congress, which demanded a say in wartime governance in exchange for cooperation. The British, however, refused, leading to political tensions.
While some Indian groups supported the British war effort, the Congress, under Gandhi, Nehru, and Patel, opposed it, stating that India could not fight for democracy abroad while being denied freedom at home.
The Cripps Mission and Its Failure (1942)
In 1942, the British government sent Sir Stafford Cripps to negotiate with Indian leaders, offering Dominion Status after the war. However, the proposal was seen as vague and did not guarantee full independence, leading to its rejection by Congress. This failure strengthened the call for immediate action against British rule.
The Quit India Movement (1942)
On August 8, 1942, at the Bombay session of the Indian National Congress, Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement, demanding the British leave India immediately. He gave the historic call: “Do or Die.”
Key Features of the Movement:
- Mass Protests: Strikes, demonstrations, and attacks on government buildings took place across the country.
- Brutal British Repression: Within hours, British authorities arrested Gandhi, Nehru, Patel, and other leaders, leading to violent crackdowns.
- Underground Resistance: Leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan, Aruna Asaf Ali, and Ram Manohar Lohia continued the movement secretly.
- Youth and Women Participation: Students, workers, and women played an active role, making it a widespread revolt.
Impact of the Quit India Movement
- The British suppressed the movement within months, but the political landscape had changed permanently.
- Indian unity and determination strengthened, signaling to the British that they could no longer govern without Indian consent.
- The movement set the stage for India’s independence in 1947, as it made British rule unsustainable post-war.
Conclusion
Though the Quit India Movement did not immediately force the British out, it was the final and most decisive mass movement in India’s freedom struggle. By 1945, Britain was economically weakened by the war, and global pressure for decolonization was rising. The movement proved that Indian independence was inevitable, leading to the British withdrawal in 1947.
The Quit India Movement remains a testament to India’s resilience and the power of mass civil resistance. Gandhi’s call for “Do or Die” still echoes in history as a defining moment of India’s path to freedom.