The impact of the second world war

• Who believed it was essential to keep British control over the imperial system after the Second World War?

  Winston Churchill
• What did Churchill insist must be preserved as a center of British world power?


  British authority over India
• What was Churchill's view on the consequences of losing the Indian Empire?


  Britain would sink to the rank of a minor power in two generations
• How did Churchill's wartime colleagues react to his imperial patriotism?


  They generally supported his fierce defense of British rights and status
• Which countries were involved in the European war from 1939 to 1945?


  Britain, America, and their allies
• What was the significance of the loss of Singapore for Britain during the war?


  It was Britain's main naval base in the region
• What did the loss of Singapore lead to in terms of military positioning?


  It brought long-term military consequences and positioned Japan to attack India
• What was the Indian National Army (INA) formed from?


  30,000 Indian troops captured by the Japanese
• Who led the Indian National Army (INA) from 1943?


  Subhas Chandra Bose
• What was the impact of Japanese conquests in South East Asia on independence movements?


  It ended the myth of "white invincibility" and boosted confidence in independence movements
• What was the outcome of the Battle of El Alamein?


  It marked a turning point against the German army in North Africa
• What was the economic condition of Britain after the Second World War?


  Britain's economic position had been severely weakened
• Who was elected as the majority Labour government in 1945?


  Clement Attlee
• How did Labour politicians traditionally view empires compared to Conservatives?


  They were typically more skeptical about empires
• What was the Labour government's stance on Indian independence after the war?


  They concluded it was untenable to keep India and decided to grant independence
• What was the Quit India Campaign?


  A movement launched by the Indian National Congress demanding immediate independence
• What did the Government of India Act, 1935 aim to do?


  It aimed to increase Indian participation in governance
• What was the British response to the growing strength of the Indian National Army (INA)?


  They adopted a policy of repression against the Congress
• What was the significance of the partition of India in 1947?


  It led to the creation of independent states of India and Pakistan
• What was the role of the United Nations regarding Palestine in 1947?


  The UN favored partitioning Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states
• What was the outcome of the British withdrawal from Palestine?


  It led to the establishment of Israel in May 1948
• What were the key events leading to Indian independence?

  • Churchill's insistence on maintaining control over India
  • The impact of WWII on British resources
  • The Quit India Campaign of 1942
  • The Labour government's decision to grant independence in 1945
  • The partition of India in 1947
• What were the implications of the Second World War on British colonial rule?


  • Weakened Britain's economic position
  • Strengthened independence movements in colonies
  • Led to the loss of key territories like Singapore
  • Resulted in the partition of India and the establishment of Pakistan
• What were the main factors influencing British withdrawal from India?

  • Military overstretch and the strength of the INA
  • Economic constraints post-war
  • Growing Indian nationalism and demands for independence
  • The Labour government's shift in policy towards decolonization
• How did the British approach to imperialism change after WWII?


  • Shifted from maintaining control to negotiating independence
  • Recognized the impracticality of re-establishing the Raj
  • Weighed costs and benefits of imperialism more critically
  • Acknowledged the need for alignment with free nations in the Commonwealth
• What is the time period covered in Section 3 of the study material?

  1914-1967
• What are the three key elements mentioned in the partition of India?


  Muslim majority, India-Pakistan borders, Princes' states
• What does the British Commonwealth refer to in the context of the study material?


  It refers to a political association of countries, most of which are former territories of the British Empire.
• What is the main focus of Extract 3 in the study material?


  • Assessing British coercion in India's partition
  • Evaluating the Labour government's stance post-war
  • Discussing the costs and benefits of maintaining the Raj
• Why did the post-war Labour government not consider re-establishing the Raj?


  They believed it was impossible due to manpower, expenditure, and opposition.
• What did the British calculate regarding their future in India after World War II?


  They calculated that aligning with an independent India was the only viable option.
• What did the British recognize about their goals in post-war India?


  They recognized that they could no longer achieve their imperial goals.
• What strategies did the British use to try to keep India in the Empire?

  • Negotiating with Indian leaders
  • Offering self-government
  • Economic and political concessions
  • Cultural parity
• What was the role of the Anti-Fascist Organisation (AFO) in Burma?


  The AFO was a coalition of Burmese forces that fought against Japanese occupation.
• What was the new name of the AFO in 1945?


  Anti-Fascist People’s Freedom League (AFPFL)
• What did Lord Mountbatten recognize about Aung San in 1945?


  He recognized the strength of support for Aung San.
• What were the two proposed solutions for Palestine mentioned in the study material?


  • A single state dominated by Arabs
  • A bi-national state with separate self-controlled areas
• Why was Palestine considered vital for Britain?


  It was strategically important for British interests in the region.
• What led to the British decision to withdraw from Palestine in 1947?


  Fighting the Arabs was deemed too costly in terms of money and lives.
• What was the impact of the two World Wars on the British Empire?


  • Expansion during and after the First World War
  • Contraction accelerated by the Second World War