India and the First World War: response to the outbreak of war; Indian…

The idea

When Britain declared war in August 1914, India was automatically at war. The response to the outbreak of war was largely loyal: the Viceroy, princes, and political leaders offered support, hoping for greater self-government as a reward. India's military and economic contribution was vast, providing over 1 million soldiers and labourers, alongside food, raw materials, and loans. The economic impact in India included industrial expansion, but also severe inflation, food shortages, and increased taxation, causing widespread hardship. These pressures had profound consequences for British rule. The war accelerated nationalist demands, prompting the 1917 Montagu Declaration and the 1919 Government of India Act. However, disappointment with these limited reforms and the repressive 1919 Rowlatt Act culminated in the Amritsar Massacre.

What earns the marks

• Explains the response to the outbreak of war, including the loyal support from the Viceroy, princely states, and political leaders, and the expectation of political reward.
• Details the Indian military and economic contribution, including over 1 million personnel and the supply of food, munitions, and financial loans.
• Assesses the economic impact in India, balancing the growth of domestic industry with the hardships of inflation, food shortages, and increased taxation.
• Analyses the consequences for British rule, explaining how wartime pressures accelerated nationalist demands and prompted the Montagu-Chelmsford reforms.
• Evaluates how disappointment with limited reforms and the imposition of the Rowlatt Act led to the Amritsar Massacre and growing opposition.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Stating the Rowlatt Act and Amritsar Massacre led to the Montagu-Chelmsford reforms.

  Put it right: The reforms were formulated during the war (1917-18) before the 1919 Rowlatt Act and Amritsar Massacre occurred.

• Overstating the economic benefits of the war for India without acknowledging the hardships.

  Put it right: Balance the growth of industry with the inflation and food shortages suffered by many.

• Assuming that Indian contributions automatically led to independence.

  Put it right: Explain that reforms were limited and nationalist pressure increased, but full independence came much later.

Exam tips

• Use precise figures for the Indian military contribution (e.g., over 1 million soldiers and non-combatants) to demonstrate detailed knowledge.
• Ensure chronological accuracy: the Montagu Declaration (1917) preceded the Rowlatt Act and Amritsar Massacre (1919).