The period following the Second World War was the final phase of India’s freedom struggle. Britain, weakened economically and militarily, faced intense pressure from Indians for immediate independence.
Political Context
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The British Labour government (elected in 1945) was more willing to negotiate India’s transfer of power than wartime governments.
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Congress emerged as the dominant nationalist party, having led mass movements like Quit India (1942).
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The Muslim League, under Jinnah, demanded Pakistan, gaining overwhelming support among Muslims.
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Failure of the Shimla Conference (1945) and Wavell Plan highlighted the growing divide between Hindus and Muslims.
Key Events
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Elections of 1945–46: Congress won majority in provinces; Muslim League won all Muslim constituencies, strengthening its demand for Pakistan.
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INA Trials (1945–46): Created mass nationalist sentiment and inspired the Royal Indian Navy Mutiny (1946).
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Communal Tensions: Hindu–Muslim riots increased, particularly in Bengal and Bihar.
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Cripps Mission & Post-War Proposals: British made several offers, but none were acceptable to both Congress and Muslim League.
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Royal Indian Navy Mutiny (1946): Demonstrated that the British could no longer rely on Indian armed forces.
British Response
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Realizing India was ungovernable without Indian cooperation, Britain appointed Lord Louis Mountbatten as the last Viceroy in March 1947.
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Mountbatten’s task was to negotiate the transfer of power and resolve communal disputes, while minimizing violence.
Social and Economic Conditions
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India faced post-war economic crisis, inflation, and food shortages.
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Returning demobilized soldiers added to unemployment and unrest.
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Nationalist sentiment was at its peak, demanding complete and immediate independence.
Significance
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Marked the final phase of colonial rule in India.
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Demonstrated the British inability to maintain control due to political, social, and economic pressures.
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Set the stage for the Mountbatten Plan (June 1947), partition, and independence.
Key Takeaway
The post-Second World War period (1945–1947) was characterized by political deadlock, rising communal tensions, and mass nationalist movements. It made British rule in India unsustainable and led directly to the partition and independence of India in 1947.