Subject: Modern History

Answer:

The anti-colonial struggle in India was significantly influenced by global developments during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The interconnected nature of world events and their impact on Indian nationalism created a fertile ground for the independence movement.

Political Developments

• American Revolution (1776): The successful revolt against British colonial rule inspired Indian nationalists, particularly the concepts of "No taxation without representation" and "Life, liberty and pursuit of happiness".

• French Revolution (1789): The ideals of "Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity" deeply influenced Indian leaders like Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Swami Vivekananda, shaping their vision of social reform and political freedom.

• Japanese Victory over Russia (1905) shattered the myth of European invincibility and inspired Asian nationalism, leading to the Swadeshi Movement in India.

Economic Developments

• Industrial Revolution in Europe led to:

  • Economic drain from India through discriminatory tariff policies and raw material exploitation.
  • Creation of an educated Indian middle class that later spearheaded the nationalist movement.
  • Development of modern communication and transport, facilitating nationalist mobilization.

• Great Depression (1929) severely impacted Indian agriculture and trade, intensifying anti-British sentiments and strengthening the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Social Developments

• Rise of Socialism and Marxism:

  • Influenced formation of Communist Party of India (1925) and shaped the ideology of leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru.
  • Strengthened working-class consciousness and labor movements in India.

• International Peace Movements:

  • League Against Imperialism (1927) provided a platform for anti-colonial struggles worldwide.
  • Gandhi's Non-violence philosophy resonated with global peace movements.

• Rise of Asian Nationalism:

  • Success of Turkish Revolution under Kemal Pasha inspired Indian Muslims.
  • Chinese Revolution (1911) and Sun Yat-sen's principles influenced Indian revolutionary movement.

Impact on Indian National Movement

• Formation of international alliances through platforms like the Brussels Congress (1927).
• Adoption of modern organizational techniques and mass mobilization strategies.
• Development of comprehensive economic critique of colonialism through works like Dadabhai Naoroji's "Poverty and Un-British Rule in India".

The confluence of these global developments created a conducive environment for India's freedom struggle, leading to the emergence of a mature nationalist movement that effectively challenged British imperialism through both moderate and radical means. The success of various anti-colonial movements worldwide ultimately contributed to India achieving its independence in 1947.