World War II: India’s Savior

While, "Erase the Mark of the Hun," was America’s slogan during World War II, India was simply trotting along. Like the rest of the colonies that the British owned, India supported Britain with troops and men for World War II. About a million Indian soldiers were fighting for the British, while the rest were wondering what future lay ahead for the Indian in India. Although this was a an ugly and sad time in History, where the world saw an outbreak of a monster like Hitler, it was very beneficial for India. It was the appearance of Hitler, and the World War that came out of it, that gave India her Independence. Britain was very appeasing towards Germany and Hitler’s regime. Britain was not ready for another war both mentally, and physically. Hitler emerged only a few years after World War I had ended. By then Britain had a very low morale, and did not want to get into another war. By the end of World War I all their energy and resources were depleted, and they were just coming back by the Empire that they had created. The British were enjoying the fruits that were being produced by the colonies. They did not want to tend to, or acknowledge the problem at hand. While they ignored the problem Hitler was gaining strength. While Hitler was cunningly capturing a large part of the West, the British were appeasing to their every need, hoping to not start a war. The British were also occupied with keeping their colonies in place. India was not the only colony asking for its independence. Jamaica, the East Indies, and many other colonies were revolting against the British rule. Britain was like an overdue pregnant woman who was not willing to give birth. The colonies wanted to be set loose, but Britain was trying to do everything in her power to hold. While Britain was undergoing labor pain from her colonies, Hitler was on the move. Hitler took over this Austria and Poland and was now making its move towards Russia. Suddenly the British realized that they had a monster on the loose, and that their lives and country were at stake. India and the rest of the colonies were dragged into war. India was outraged at this, but Gandhi saw through anger and supported the British. Gandhi knew that if Germany won, India would never win her Independence, and that there would be terrible bloodshed. He knew that out of all the Imperial powers, Britain was the easiest to appeal to, because she had a conscience. Using this Gandhi gave his support to the Crown, hoping that in return India would get her Independence. At first, the Britain’s reaction was negative. Britain came back with the Rowlatt Act that hindered the Independence movement in every way. Gandhi fought back and used his power to kick the pregnant and labor ridden Britain. The Indians launched a "Quit India" program. There was violence and riots despite Gandhi’s disapproval. Within a month, 250 railway stations had been destroyed and 500 post offices attacked. Police stations were burned down, and government offices were set on fire. Britain could not take it anymore. She was not only being attacked from the inside, but also from the outside. Britain realized that there was more at stake than simply an empire. Their way of life was on the line. Britain realized that if Hitler was not stopped, they would not only loose their Empire, but they would also loose their country and their liberty. Their very lives were at stake. Britain had to give into India’s demand for Independence. In exchange for India’s cooperation Britain gave India her independence. On May 1945, the war against Germany ended and in July the British government(now in new hands) announced its intention to give India her independence. Negotiation were on the way and plans for a smooth hand over were being discussed. The Indians were finally seeing the hope and then on the 15th of August India finally received her Independence. After over 100 years of British dominance the Indians owned their own land. This would have not been possible without all the pressure of World War II.