2. World War I and its impact: The participation of Indian soldiers in World War I on the side of the British Empire created a sense of nationalism and political consciousness among the Indian population. The war exposed the disparity in treatment between Indian and British soldiers, leading to increased resentment and a growing desire for self-determination.
3. Rowlatt Act and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre: The Rowlatt Act of 1919, which allowed the British government to detain individuals without trial, sparked outrage and protests across India. The culmination of these protests was the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar, Punjab, where British troops fired on a peaceful gathering of unarmed civilians, killing hundreds. This incident further intensified the demand for self-rule and fueled the Indian independence movement.
4. Non-cooperation movement: In response to the Rowlatt Act and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Mahatma Gandhi launched the Non-cooperation Movement in 1920. The movement aimed to undermine British rule by encouraging Indians to boycott British goods, institutions, and services. The widespread participation in the movement demonstrated the strength of the Indian nationalist movement and its ability to mobilize the masses.
5. Round Table Conferences: In an effort to address growing demands for self-rule, the British government convened a series of Round Table Conferences in London between 1930 and 1932. These conferences brought together representatives from the British government, Indian political leaders, and minority communities to discuss constitutional reforms. Although the conferences failed to produce a consensus, they played a role in shaping the Government of India Act of 1935.
6. Government of India Act of 1935: The Government of India Act of 1935 was a significant step towards limited self-rule for India. The act introduced provincial autonomy, allowing Indian-dominated provincial legislatures and ministries to govern certain internal affairs. However, defense, foreign affairs, and other key subjects remained under the control of the British government.
In summary, the rise of the Indian National Congress, the impact of World War I, the Rowlatt Act and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the Non-cooperation Movement, the Round Table Conferences, and the Government of India Act of 1935 were key factors that led Great Britain to finally grant India limited self-rule. These developments paved the way for further constitutional reforms and ultimately, the independence of India in 1947.