MYP History Case Studies of Nationalist Movements Notes

What Can Specific Movements Teach Us?

1. Real case studies show how and why independence movements succeed or struggle.
2. They reveal patterns: oppression → organisation → resistance → negotiation or conflict → independence.

India: Why Did India Fight for Independence?

1. Factors that led to independence

1. India had a strong national identity shaped by shared cultural heritage, history, and growing political unity.
2. British colonialism created social and economic inequality: Indians had few political rights.
3. The Indian National Congress (INC) unified educated Indians demanding rights and eventually full independence.
4. Key factors:
   1. British exploitation of India’s economy (e.g., destroying local industries, controlling trade).
   2. Restrictions on political participation for Indians.
   3. Nationalist leaders (Gandhi, Nehru) who united different groups under shared goals.
   4. Mass movements using nonviolent protest to pressure Britain.

2. How did the British respond?

1. Britain used both repression and concessions.
2. They imprisoned leaders, banned newspapers, and used violence against protesters.
3. But they also passed reforms giving Indians limited self-rule (e.g., Government of India Act 1935).
   1. Provincial autonomy introduced; elected Indian ministers given control of provinces.
   2. Diarchy abolished in provinces but retained at the centre under the Governor-General.
   3. Proposed an All-India Federation of provinces and princely states (never implemented).
   4. Separate electorates expanded, reinforcing communal divisions.
   5. Franchise enlarged to about 10% of the population (still not universal suffrage).
   6. Governors and Governor-General kept extensive emergency powers to override elected bodies.
   7. Created new provinces (e.g., Sindh, Orissa, Bihar reorganised).
   8. Became the constitutional basis for India and Pakistan until independence-era constitutions.