Question

Describe the political differences that rose in India during the second world and the importance of Cripps mission.

Answer 1

Instructions:
The answer to this question can be broken into 3 main parts:

• Political strategy followed by the British during the second world war
• Launch of Cripps Mission
• Approach of INC and Muslim League towards Cripps Mission.

Solution:
The Second World War began in Europe in 1939. Viceroy Lord Linlithgo declared that India has joined the war on the side of the British, without even consulting India. England claimed to be fighting to save Democracy in Europe. The Indian National Congress demanded England to immediately grant freedom to India. England refused this demand. The provincial ministers of the Indian National Congress, thus, resigned in November 1939. England supported America against Japan in the Second World War. As the Japanese army reached the eastern borders of India, the British realised that they needed the co-operation of India. In March 1942, Sir Stafford Cripps was sent to India to put up a proposal in front of the Indians. The Indian National Congress rejected the proposal, since there was no clear mention of complete independence. The Muslim League also rejected the Cripps Mission, since there was no mention of the creation of Pakistan.