The National Movement during the Second World War

The Second World War had a significant impact on the National Movement in various ways. It influenced the political, social, and economic dynamics of the freedom struggle in India. Here are the details:

1. Suspension of Civil Disobedience Movement:
- With the outbreak of the war, the British government requested the Indian National Congress to support the war effort by not launching any civil disobedience movements.
- In response, the Congress declared its support to Britain and suspended the Civil Disobedience Movement.

2. Quit India Movement:
- The National Movement saw a resurgence during the war with the launch of the Quit India Movement in 1942.
- Led by Mahatma Gandhi, the movement demanded an immediate end to British rule in India.
- However, the movement was met with severe repression by the British authorities, leading to widespread arrests and violence.

3. Impact on Political Leaders:
- Many prominent leaders of the National Movement, including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and others, were arrested and imprisoned during the war.
- The arrest of these leaders weakened the movement temporarily but also sparked mass protests and demonstrations.

4. Rise of Subhash Chandra Bose:
- The war created a fertile ground for Subhash Chandra Bose to form the Forward Bloc and later the Indian National Army (INA).
- Bose sought support from Axis powers, primarily Germany and Japan, to fight against British imperialism.
- The INA played a significant role in inspiring Indian soldiers to revolt against the British during the war.

5. Economic Impact:
- The war caused economic disruptions in India, leading to inflation, food shortages, and unemployment.
- The Indian economy suffered as resources were diverted to support the war efforts of the British empire.
- These economic hardships further fueled the anti-British sentiments among the Indian population.

6. International Support:
- The war brought India's struggle for independence to the international stage.
- The Indian National Congress, through its support for Britain, aimed to secure international support for India's freedom.
- The Indian leaders also utilized international forums to raise awareness about India's plight under British rule.

Overall, the Second World War had a profound impact on the National Movement in India. It disrupted the ongoing civil disobedience movements, led to the emergence of new leaders and armed resistance, and brought international attention to India's fight for independence. The war also exposed the exploitative nature of British colonialism and accelerated the momentum of the freedom struggle.

National Movement During World War II. The Second World War broke out in September 1939 when Nazi (Germany) invaded Poland in pursuance of Hitler's scheme of German expansion. TheGovernment of India immediately joined the war without consulting theNational Congress or the elected members of the central legislature.