Theoretical overview
From 1914 to 1918, the first world war had a significant political and social impact on India. Let’s take a closer look at the war’s impact on the country
- Employee recruitment and engagement –
India played an important role in the war during the British rule. The British government sought help from the Indians and actively recruited soldiers for the British Indian army. Remarkably, almost 1.3 billion Indian soldiers volunteered, forming the largest volunteer army in history. These soldiers fight in various theaters of war, including the western front, the middle east and the east Africa.
- Economic impacts-
The war bought dramatic changes to the Indian economy. To support the war effort, the colonial government implemented policies aimed at accumulation. Industries were diverted to the production of war supplies, such as ammunition, clothing, and food. These changes led to increased industrial activity, and factories operated at full capacity. But the war also bought economic challenges to India. Prices have risen, leading to higher prices and shortages of essential commodities. The burden of financing the war fell heavily on the Indians as taxes rose and the cost of living rose. These economic difficulties led to dissatisfaction and resentment against British rule.
- Political awakening –
World war 1 played a major role in shaping India’s political landscape. Indian soldiers fighting the British knew the idea of independence, nationalism and self-determination. Their experiences, coupled with increased contacts soldiers from other countries inform the revolutionary ideologies that would later fuel the conflict.
Furthermore, the war led to disillusionment among Indian leaders who had expected greater political reforms and self-governance in return for their support. This disillusionment, combined with the economic difficulties faced by the population, contributed to the growth of nationalist sentiments and demands for self-rule.
- Home Rule Movement-
During the war, notable figures like Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak initiated the Home Rule Movement in India. This movement aimed to demand self-governance and home rule within the British Empire. It sought to mobilize public support for political reforms and achieve greater autonomy for India.
The Home Rule Movement gained momentum during the war years, fostering political consciousness and awareness among the Indian population. It provided a platform for Indians to express their aspirations for freedom and self-determination.
- Emergence of Mahatma Gandhi:
The First World War marked a turning point in the political journey of Mahatma Gandhi. Returning to India in 1915 after his work in South Africa, Gandhi was inspired by the sacrifices of Indian soldiers during the war. He emerged as a prominent leader and advocated for nonviolent civil disobedience as a means to attain India’s independence. Gandhi’s ideologies of nonviolent resistance and Satyagraha gained traction during the war years. His efforts to mobilize the Indian population and his leadership in the Indian National Congress played a pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence.
The First World War had a profound impact on India, fueling political awakening, economic shifts, and the growth of nationalist sentiments. The experiences of Indian soldiers, along with the economic hardships faced by the population, set the stage for the independence movement that would gain momentum in the following years.
Points to remember
- India played an important role in the war during the British rule. The British government sought help from the Indians and actively recruited soldiers for the British Indian army.
- World war 1 played a major role in shaping India’s political landscape. Indian soldiers fighting the British knew the idea of independence, nationalism and self-determination. Their experiences, coupled with increased contacts soldiers from other countries inform the revolutionary ideologies that would later fuel the conflict.
- The First World War marked a turning point in the political journey of Mahatma Gandhi. Returning to India in 1915 after his work in South Africa, Gandhi was inspired by the sacrifices of Indian soldiers during the war. He emerged as a prominent leader and advocated for nonviolent civil disobedience as a means to attain India’s independence.
- To support the war effort, the colonial government implemented policies aimed at accumulation. Industries were diverted to the production of war supplies, such as ammunition, clothing, and food.
- But the war also bought economic challenges to India. Prices have risen, leading to higher prices and shortages of essential commodities.
