The August Declaration of 1917, also known as the Montagu Declaration, was a landmark announcement by the British government regarding constitutional reforms in India. It was the first official statement that acknowledged the demand for self-government, though in a very limited and vague manner.
Background
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The First World War (1914–1918) placed a heavy burden on India in terms of men, money, and resources.
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Indian leaders supported Britain in the hope of political concessions after the war.
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The Home Rule Movement (1916) and Lucknow Pact (1916) had revived Indian nationalism and created pressure on the British.
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The growing unrest among Indians forced Britain to make a formal promise of reform.
Declaration (August 20, 1917)
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Announced by Edwin Montagu, the Secretary of State for India.
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Declared that the objective of British policy was the gradual development of self-governing institutions in India, with a view to the progressive realization of responsible government.
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Promised further constitutional reforms after the war.
Significance
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For the first time, the British government accepted that responsible government was the goal of Indian constitutional development.
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Created new hope among Moderates and gave legitimacy to Indian aspirations.
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Marked the beginning of a new phase of reforms, leading to the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms and Government of India Act of 1919.
Limitations
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The promise was vague and without a definite time frame.
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It spoke only of “gradual development,” leaving scope for delay and manipulation.
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Extremists and nationalists criticized it as a mere concession to pacify India during the war.
Key Takeaway
The August Declaration of 1917 was the first formal recognition by the British of India’s right to self-government. Though limited and unsatisfactory, it was a turning point in British policy and paved the way for the Government of India Act of 1919, which introduced limited reforms but failed to meet nationalist expectations.