chapter 8 World Wars and India | World wars and india question answer
1A. Choose the correct alternative and rewrite the statement.
Question - 1. When Austria declared war against Serbia, it was _________, who helped Serbia.
[a] Germany
[b] America
[c] Hungary
[d] Russia
Solutions :
[d] Russia
Question - 2. The first atom bomb was dropped on the city of _________ during the aerial attack of America on Japan.
[a] Nagasaki
[b] Hiroshima
[c] Pearl Harbour
[d] Stalingrad
Solutions :
[b] Hiroshima
1B. Find the incorrect pair from group ‘B’ and write the corrected one.
Question - 1.
| Group ‘A’ | Group ‘B’ |
| 1. America | Woodrow Wilson |
| 2. England | Winston Churchill |
| 3. Germany | Hitler |
| 4. Italy | Linlithgow |
2. Write the names of historical places/persons/events.
Question - 1. The name of the group of nations including England, France, Russia, Italy, and America in the First World War –
Solutions :
Allied Nations
Question - 2. The name of the group of nations including Germany, Austria-Hungary, Turkey, Bulgaria in the First World War –
Solutions :
Central Powers
3. Write short notes
Question - 1. ‘League of Nations.
Solutions :
- A peace-loving American president Woodrow Wilson took a lead in the formation of the League of Nations.
- All the nations involved in the war felt the need to create some solution to avoid any situation that could lead to war.
- The main objectives of the League of Nations were –
- finding peaceful solutions for conflicts between nations.
- establishing peace in the world.
- Austria, Germany, and other defeated nations were not allowed to become members of the league.
- America was not a member of the league so England and France retained their dominance in the league.
Question - 2. Dr. Kotnis.
Solutions :
- Dr. Dwarkanath Kotnis was born on 10th October 1910 at Solapur.
- When Japan had attacked China in 1937, the Chinese Government requested Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to send a team of doctors to attend to the injured Chinese soldiers.
- Dr. Kotnis was the chief of the team of Indian doctors sent to China.
- He attended the Chinese soldiers for years but unfortunately died in China on 9th December 1942 in the plague epidemic.
- Dr. Kotnis by the virtue of his selfless work formed the bridge of friendship between India and China.
- The eminent Indian filmmaker, V. Shantaram made a film on his life, entitled ‘Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani’ which immortalized Dr. Kotnis’ memory.
4. Explain the following statements with reasons.
Question - 1. ‘The Treaty of Versailles’ had the seeds of the Second World War. The Text does not have any comment to this effect.
Solutions :
- The Treaty of Versailles was signed between the Allied nations and Germany at Versailles palace in 1919. It was drafted by American President Woodrow Wilson.
- The Treaty of Versailles was very harsh on Germany because Germany had lost the war.
- Germany was forced to accept the responsibility for the war damages suffered by the Allies.
- The victorious powers had deprived Germany of huge tracts of its territory. Germany was burdened with an immense war indemnity.
- The peace settlement at Paris was made in a spirit of revenge. The Germans felt that too much injustice had been done to them.
- The German economy was ruined completely. People were starving and the government was in chaos.
- It was impossible for a proud German race to forget the consequences of the war, which they had lost so humiliatingly.
- This fuelled the rise of Nazism in Germany which adopted the policy of aggression.
- In this way, the Treaty of Versailles sowed the seeds of the Second World War.
Question - 2. The British Government in India decided to return home.
Solutions :
- The Second World War ended in the month of August 1945 with the surrender of Japan.
- In this war, England emerged victoriously but it lost heavily in terms of human life and economic conditions.
- As a result of this England grew weaker. The British Government in India is now aware that Indian soldiers and people are not as meek and submissive as before, ruling them was no easier.
- India was not going to be the perennial source of profit for them as it used to be. There was a lot of pressure on England to give freedom to its colonies. Freedom struggles began in India which demanded ‘Poorna Swarajya’ which means total independence. Hence, the British Government in India decided to return home.
5. Answer the following Question -s in detail.
Question - 1. Give the causes of the Second World War.
[i] Dissatisfaction with the Treaty of Versailles
[ii] Rise of Hitler
[iii] Rise of Communism
[iv] Hitler’s attack on Poland
[v] Hitler’s violation of the Non-aggression Pact
Solutions :
The Second World War was fought between 1939 to 1945. Following were the causes of the Second World War:
[i] Dissatisfaction with the Treaty of Versailles: The Treaty of Versailles was very harsh on Germany. It was made in a spirit of revenge. Germany was burdened with huge war indemnity. The German economy was ruined completely. This fuelled the rise of Nazism in Germany.
[ii] Rise of Hitler: The Nazis under the leadership of Hitler grabbed power in Germany. Hitler began to escalate Germany’s military power so as to avenge the demeaning conditions imposed on Germany by the treaty of Versailles. He focussed on increasing the strength of the military as well as the navy.
[iii] Rise of Communism: Meanwhile, Soviet Russia, a communist nation was becoming more powerful. It made nations like England, France, America uneasy. Soviet Russia and imperialistic Germany viewed each other as arch enemies. England and France ignored the advances of Germany thinking that it will keep a check on the rising power of Soviet Russia.
[iv] Hitler’s attack on Poland: In 1938, Hitler won the Sudeten province in Czechoslovakia, which was populated in majority by people of German origin. In 1939, he attacked Poland which was looked upon as a neutral country by all European nations. In spite of this, Hitler attacked Poland. Therefore, England declared war against Germany.
[v] Hitler’s violation of the Non-aggression pact: Denmark, Norway surrendered to Germany. Germany conquered Holland, Belgium, and France. In 1939, Hitler violated the ‘Non-aggression Pact’ made with Stalin and attacked Soviet Russia so Stalin declared war against Germany.
Question - 2. Why did Indian people participate in the national movement in great numbers?
Solutions :
- India was a colony of the British during wartime. England started exploiting their colonies to meet the needs of war.
- During wartime, England felt an increasing need for manpower and money. Therefore, the British Government began recruiting army personnel from India.
- At times the recruitment was enforced on Indians.
- Extra taxes were levied on Indians for raising funds. Taxes on trade and industries were raised.
- During the war period prices of essential commodities went up. Indians suffered from the problems of inflation, hike in prices, increasing unemployment caused by the industrial recession.
- Indians could see that the exploitative rule of the British was responsible for this miserable state of affairs.
- Hence, Indians from all strata of society, workers, farmers, and the middle class joined in large numbers in the national movements against British rule.
chapter 8 World Wars and India | World wars and india question answer
The first half of the twentieth century
witnessed two World Wars. These were the
most important events of the century
witnessed two World Wars. It changed the
world scenario. We are going to learn about
its impact on India
8.1 First World War (1914-1918 C.E.)
The First World War began in 1914
C.E. The main cause of it was the
competition amongst the European countries,
who nourished imperialistic ambitions.
Causes of the First World War : We
have already seen that the latter half of the
nineteenth century was marked by several
industrial inventions. Machines came in use
for various production processes.
European
countries were now equipped to increase
production because of mechanisation. They
needed more raw material to match the
quantitative increase in production and
more markets to sell their surplus products
as well. Imperialistic European nations
began to search for newer lands to meet
these needs. This would often create warlike
situations among them. Keeping this in
view, more powerful nations in Europe, felt
the need to continuously increase their
military power and armoury.
The countries like England, France,
Russia, Portugal, Holland, Belgium, etc.
had already expanded their empires in
Africa and Asia. In the pre-world war
Europe, England, Germany, AustriaHungary, Russia, France and Italy were the
nations of primary importance. Among
them rival groups were formed. Because of
the rivalry every nation began to enhance
its military and naval strength; there was
a competition to produce more and more
destructive weapons. This ultimately resulted
in political situation akin to war.
Immediate Cause of the First World
War : The Austrian Prince, Archduke
Franz Ferdinand and his wife were
assassinated in Serbia by a Serbian maniac.
In Austria people believed that this whole
act was manoeuvred by the Serbian
Kingdom. Hence, Austria called a war
against Serbia. Russia came in to help
Serbia. Two distinct groups of European
nations were formed, one group supporting
Austria and another supporting Serbia.
Austria and Hungary were trying to suppress
Serbia and Germany was on their side.
Belgium had a neutral policy. Even then,
Germany attacked Belgium and established
their supremacy there. England stood up
with Belgium and called a war against
Germany. Now Germany, Austria, Turkey,
Bulgaria (known as ‘central powers’) were
on one side and England, France, Russia
(known as ‘allied nations’) were on the
other. Later, Italy joined the allied powers.
In the last stage of the war America joined
in with the allied nations.
A naval war was fought in 1916
between Germany and England at Jutland
in the North Sea and German navy was
defeated. It resulted in a peace treaty in
1918, known as ‘The Treaty of Versailles’.
This peace treaty put an end to the First
World War.
Foundation of ‘League of Nations’ :
All the nations who were involved in the
First World War seriously felt the need to
create some solution to avoid any situation
that could lead to another world war.
Woodrow Wilson, the American President
was a peace-loving and idealistic leader.
He emphasised on the need of having an
organisation of the leading nations, finding
peaceful solutions for conflicts between
nations and establishing peace in the world.
An organisation known as ‘League of
Nations’ was established with this objective.
Germany, Austria and other defeated nations
were not allowed to become members of
the league. The concept of the ‘League of
Nations’ was deliberated by America and
yet it did not become a member of the
league. As a result England and France
retained their dominance in the league.
8.2 Second World War (1939-1945
C.E.)
The Second World War proved to be
more destructive than the First World War.
It was certainly more extensive than the
First World War and its warfare was
technologically more advanced.
Causes of the
Second World War :
The ‘League of Nations’ intended to avoid
conflicts between nations. The Nazis under
the leadership of Hitler grabbed the power
in Germany. Hitler began to escalate
Germany’s military power so as to avenge
the demeaning conditions imposed on
Germany by the Versailles treaty. He
focused on increasing the strength of
military as well as navy. Meanwhile, Soviet
Russia, a communist nation was becoming
more powerful. It made the nations like
England, America and France uneasy.
Soviet Russia and imperialist Germany
viewed each other as arch enemies. Keeping
this in view, England and France ignored
Germany’s advances, thinking that it will
keep Soviet Russia’s increasing power
under control. In 1938,
Hitler won the
Sudeten province in Czechoslovakia, which
was populated in majority by people of
German origin. In 1939, he attacked Poland.
Actually Poland was looked upon as a
neutral country by all European nations. In
spite of this, Hitler attacked and conquered
Poland. Therefore, England declared war
against Germany.
Gradually, Germany began to grab
lands of other European countries in bits
and pieces. It had already won Poland at
the very beginning of the war. Denmark
surrendered to Germany. So did Norway.
In
a short time Germany conquered Holland
and Belgium and its army marched towards
Paris. Germany conquered France too. In
May 1940, it attacked England by assaulting
the British platoons present at Dunkirk.
England, with great caution moved out two
and half lakh of its soldiers from Dunkirk.
In the world history, this instance of beating
a successful retreat, is of great significance.
During this period Winston Churchill had
taken over control of England, as the Prime
Minister after Neville Chamberlain’s
resignation from the post.
In 1939, Hitler violated the ‘Nonaggression Pact’, made with Stalin and
attacked Soviet Russia.
While the Nazi
army was marching towards Stalingrad,
Russian army was on the retreat. In the
month of November 1943, on reaching
Stalingrad, three lakh soldiers of the
unsuspecting Nazi army, were caught in the
trap set up by the Soviet army. Soviet
Russia defeated the Germans under the
leadership of Marshal Georgy Zhukov.
Armies of the allied nations took over
Berlin. Hitler went in underground exile
and committed suicide. Before this happened,
Mussolini was also defeated and died. The
Nazi soldiers in North Africa had also
surrendered.
Japan entered in this war, in support
of Germany. In 1941, Japan attacked Pearl
Harbour and destroyed the American naval
base. This resulted in America declaring
war against Japan. Thus, the war field of
Second World War expanded further. Later,
Japan went on capturing the regions of
Philippines, Myanmar, Malaya and
Singapore. In addition Japan even marched
up to Assam, Arakan and Imphal. This
drove the British to act against Japan’s
aggression. When Japan seemed to have
been going ahead undaunted with their
aggressive policies, America launched aerial
attacks two Japanese cities with atom
bombs, first on Hiroshima and then
Nagasaki. At last, Japan surrendered on
15th August 1945. This put an end to the
Second World War.
8.3 World Wars and India
8.3.1 First World War and India :
The British Government of India, compelled
India, one of their colonies, to participate
in the world war, without any concern for
willingness or unwillingness of the Indians.
India became the source of procuring help
in the form of money, food, clothing and
other war supplies. During the year of
1919-20 the British Government in India
provided help to England worth Rs.19
billion (1 billion = 100 crores).
Seventeen of the Indian soldiers were
honoured and decorated with ‘Victoria
Cross’, a medal given for gallantry. India
was a major source for England providing
skilled human power and various war
supplies such as ammunition, weapons,
textiles, jute, tents, small ships, timber,
railway tracks and transport goods. Till
the end of 1918, British government in
India sent weaponry and ammunition worth
Rs. 1.4 billion.
World War I left significant impact on
various fields including production of war
supplies, civil industries, trade, economic
policies, sea and land transportation,
farming and agricultural production, fuel
supply, defence systems, etc. This war
boosted India’s industrial growth. The direct
and indirect impacts of the war were more
evident in fields like iron industry, steel
industry, coal and mining industries. After
the war was over, there was considerable
growth in motor transportation and the
number of motor vehicles.
During war times
and post-war period there was decrease in
the export amounting to a loss of Rs.33
crores, approximately. The prices of
agricultural products reduced but the prices
of industrial products increased. Indian food
grains were exported to England and allied
nations. It caused a shortage of food grains
for the Indians. Prices of food grains in
Indian markets began to rise.
The Indian involvement in the First
World War had mixed impact on India. As
far as the defence tactics were concerned
the Indian soldiers and Indian political
leaders learnt a few things. They realised
because of their experience on the European
war field that the Indian weaponry was far
too less sophisticated, compared to other
nations. Some factors made them understand
how India could be considered backward in
the matters of aircrafts, mechanised war
instruments and infantry, medical facilities,
modernisation of the armed forces, military
training, adequate storage of war supplies,
etc. Considering these factors the British
Government in India formed a committee
to bring in effect the required changes. This
committee made a report ready
recommending some useful changes in the
Indian military systems.
In 1917, Governor General and Viceroy
Lord Chelmsford and Edwin Samuel
Montagu, Secretary of State of India,
together prepared a report on the
administrative reforms needed in the British
administration in India. Accordingly, apart
from civil provisions a few promises were
made with regard to military organisation
in India. It was promised that Indian
soldiers will be posted on various positions
in the army without any concern for their
caste, race and religion. A proper ratio of
Indian recruits will be maintained in the
army.
An academy in India will be
established similar to Sandhurst Academy
in England. Ten seats in this academy will
remain reserved for young Indian candidates.
Those who were trained in the military
college at Indore would be given ‘King’s
Commission.’ The Cavalry will be reduced
in its strength. The strength of the provincial
military units would be enhanced. In 1921,
a new department for military supplies
called ‘Goods and Supply’ was opened.
Because of the war, the foundation of the
Indian Air Force was widened. The Indian
naval units proved their grit and bravery in
the war at Persian Gulf.
Lokmanya Tilak through his editorials
published in the newspaper ‘Kesari’ and
through his speeches insisted that the Indian
Navy and India’s significant position in the
world political scenario should be duly
acknowledged and there should not be any
discrimination while appointing Indian men
on positions of authority. Lokmanya Tilak
and other Indian leaders showed a positive
approach in helping the British Government
during the First World War. They believed
that the co-operation offered by the Indian
people will be beneficial to them in future.
We get to witness the far sightedness of
Lokmanya Tilak in his approach during
war times.
India was forced into this war started
by the British imperial rule. Pandit
Jawaharlal Nehru wrote about it in a letter
written to his daughter, Indira. He said,
‘‘This was not the war of India. India did
neither have anything against Germany nor
Turkey. However, India did not had any
voice in this regard. India was a British
colony. It could not but trail its master’’.
India was extremely poor. There was
no dearth of candidates willing to enter the
Army. About 11 lakh of Hindi soldiers
fought in this war. Hindi soldiers provided
a considerable support to the British army.
Besides, India also contributed one hundred
and fifty crores of Rupees to the war
expenses.
During the times of war Indian people
began to migrate to Canada and America.
The government of Canada was heavily
under the influence of the British
Government. It rejected entry to Indian
migrants. It did not allow ‘Kamagata
Maru’, a steam ship with Indian migrants
aboard under the leadership of Baba
Gurudit Singh, to anchor in the Canadian
port of Vancouver. People on this ship
returned. On their return journey, ‘Kamagata
Maru’ reached the port of ‘Bajbaj’ near
Kolkata. There, the British officers ordered
Indian passengers to return immediately to
their own towns and villages. However, the
Indians did not follow the order. So, the
British officers began to shoot and 30
Indian passengers died in it. This cruelty
on part of the British officers created a
public outcry throughout India.
First World War and TISCO :
There is a close relationship between
the First World War and Tata Iron and
Steel Company (TISCO). During World
War I railways was the only option for
the swift movement of the army and the
transportation of artillery. England
required good railway tracks in Europe
as well as for military logistics in the
province of Iraq. This requirement
proved to be beneficial to TISCO. The
company took great efforts and
manufactured around 1500 miles long
tracks.
Some of the senior officers in
England were not sure of the capability
of the Indian company for producing
steel tracks. But the Indians overcame
it. In 1919, after the conclusion of World
War I, Viceroy Lord Chelmsford visited
the TISCO factory. In his speech, he
attributed their victory to the railway
tracks supplied by India, the success of
the Allies in Egypt, Palestine and East
Africa. In his testimony, the Viceroy
stated that the Indians have high
potential, if they put their mind to it.
Germany was a country, which
nourished nationalism. India also was
greatly influenced by nationalism. However,
it is important to understand the fundamental
difference between German nationalism and
Indian nationalism. Germans were out to
conquer other countries. Their aggression
was for making their own country most
powerful and the biggest in the world,
whereas the nationalism of the Indians
was making them fight for regaining their
independence. The Indian nationalism was
based on a broader perspective of the
spread of democracy all over the world
including India. Countries like Abyssinia,
Spain, China were putting up struggles for
establishing democracy. Indians were
sending help to those countries in the form
of teams of nurses, volunteers and food
grains. Germany was strongly influenced
by racism. Hitler had killed innumerable
European Jews. However, in India people
of varied religion, race and caste were
staying together from ages. This is
characteristic of Indian nationalism, which
confirms its magnanimity.
8.3.2 Second World War and India :
The Second World War was fought during
1939-1945 C.E. India was involved in the
war episodes happening in North Africa,
Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Greece, Myanmar and
Malaya. However, India contributed to the
rehabilitation of Malaya, Indonesia and
China after the war was over. Indians in
the Air Force of British India participated
in the war at Assam and Myanmar, while
Indians in the Navy of British India fought
in the naval war in Arabian Sea and Bay
of Bengal. England exploited India and its
resources heavily to achieve victory in this
world war. India, by itself, did not have anything to gain from this war but it was
pulled in forcibly by the British Government.
The British fought their war from the
Indian land. For them India was their
colony and they took it in their right to use
it as a source of supplying industrial
products, cloth and other commodities of
daily use to their allied nations. Their war
supplies from India included dynamite,
tanks, material required for ship repairing,
steel pipes, steel bars and other material
for laying railway tracks, train bogies,
wood, telegraph posts, smaller war ships
and steam ships, food grains, cloth, tents,
shoes, medicines, explosives and ammunition
and such things. The British Government
established several factories in India to
meet the requirement of supply of these
materials.
8.4 Impact of the World Wars on
India
During wartime England felt an
increasing need for manpower and money.
Therefore, the British Government began
recruiting army personnel from India. At
times the recruitment was enforced on
Indians. Extra taxes were levied on Indians
for raising funds. Taxes on trade and
industries were raised. During the war
period prices of essential commodities went
up. Along with the inflation and hike in
prices, Indians also suffered because of
increasing unemployment caused by
industrial recession.
Indians could see that the exploitative
rule of the British was responsible for this
miserable state of affairs. Indians from all
strata of the society, workers, farmers and
the middle class, joined in large numbers
in the national movement against the British
rule.
September 1939 saw the emergence of
Second World War. Initially it was England
and France against Germany and Italy.
When England declared war against
Germany, the Viceroy of India Lord
Linlithgow announced that India also was
joining the war, to support England.
The Indian National Congress protested
against the Viceroy’s announcement. The
Congress was against the German and
Italian ideologies, which were inclined
toward aggressive dictatorship and also
against England’s colonialism inclined
toward imperialism. England claimed that
it was fighting for protecting democracy in
Europe. The Indian National Congress
demanded that if England was true to its
words then it should immediately grant
India’s freedom. The Congress also made
a commitment that India, as an independent
nation would help England in the war
against Germany.
It was also announced
that if the imperialistic administration of
the British Government in India was to
prevail, then Indians will not help the
British. However, Lord Linlithgow
announced that the British Government will
not ponder upon any of the Indian issues
till the end of the war. Reacting to this
announcement the Indian National Congress
decided not to participate in any of the
tasks related to war.
At about the same time, Japanese army
reached the eastern border of India. There
were thousands of volunteers who had
joined this army.
They were the patriotic
members of ‘Azad Hind Sena’. Netaji
Subhash Chandra Bose was their leader.
His policy was to take advantage of the
situation to move the Indians for intense
opposition to the British, while the British
were engaged in war. He felt that even
enemy of the British may be approached
for help, if the need be. Azad Hind Sena
fought fiercely for attaining its goal, i.e.
independence of India and contributed to
India’s freedom struggle.
In the month of August 1945, the
Second World War was finally concluded.
In this war England emerged victorious but
it lost heavily in terms of human life and
economic conditions. As a result, England
grew weaker. The British Government in
India, now aware that Indian soldiers and
people are not meek and submissive as
before, ruling them was no more easy. Also
India was not going to be the perennial
source of profit for them as it used to be.
They decided to return home.
The two world wars caused loss of life
and wealth to a great extent.
The awareness
that there should be an effective measure
to avoid such wars in future made the
victorious nations create organisations
called ‘League of Nations’ after the First
World War and ‘United Nations’ after the
Second World War. India has contributed
significantly in the work of these
organisations.
In the next lesson, we shall be studying
the process of ‘Decolonisation’ in Asia and
Africa.