As you read, record your notes in the space below. Your notes should focus on key ideas and defining terms you do not know

Question

written like a 8th grader

The Partition of India
British rule in India ended in 1947 and the subcontinent was partitioned along religious lines to form the Hindu-majority state of India and the Muslim-majority state of Pakistan. Many millions of Muslims and Hindus caught on the wrong side of the border were forced to flee their homes.
ment and the British still held
Gandhi, who believed than India should
her World War I see pp.372-
A 75, Britain promised India a
major role in governing itsell
in return for Indian support during the war In 1919 à further Government of India Act (see BEFORE) was passed. It created an Indian parliament to which Indian ministers could be elected to hold positions of responsibility in departments such as health, education. and agriculture. However, only the
wealthiest Indians, who formed a tiny percentage of the population, were allowed to vote for the
parliament, and the British still held the real power, controlling all the other departments. Another act in 1935 allowed more Indians to vote, and the British kept only the most crucial departments-revenue, defense, and foreign affairs. These concessions did not go far enough for independence campaigners (see BEFORE). At the end of World War IL in 1945, the British agreed to hand over full power.
Gandhi, who believed than India should remain united. In response, finnah declared August 16, 1946 "Direct Action Day On that day Mushions protested all over India to voice their demand for a separate homeland. Tragically the protest in Calcutta escalated into violent fighting between religious groups, and thousands of people died.
Drawing the line
Lord Mountbatten, the last viceroy

Answer 1

Notes on the Partition of India

Key Ideas:

• End of British Rule (1947): British control in India ended, leading to the partition of India based on religion.

• Creation of Two Nations: India became a Hindu-majority state, while Pakistan emerged as a Muslim-majority state.

• Forced Migrations: Millions of Muslims and Hindus had to leave their homes to move to the country that matched their religion, causing a massive humanitarian crisis.

• Gandhi's Perspective: Mahatma Gandhi believed India should stay united as one country despite the religious differences.

• British Promises:

  • During World War I (1914-1918), Britain promised more self-governance to India in exchange for support.
  • The Government of India Act (1919): This act created a parliamentary system where only the richest Indians could vote, while the British still held most power.
  • The 1935 Act: Allowed more Indians to vote but kept crucial departments like defense and foreign affairs under British control.

• Growing Nationalism: After World War II, Indian leaders pushed for full independence. The British agreed to transfer power in 1945 but were hesitant about how to manage religious tensions.

• Direct Action Day (August 16, 1946): A day declared by Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the All-India Muslim League to protest for a separate Muslim state. The protests turned violent in Calcutta, leading to many deaths.

• Lord Mountbatten: The last viceroy of British India, responsible for overseeing the partition.

Defining Terms:

• Partition: The division of a country into separate states, in this case, India and Pakistan.
• Viceroy: A representative of the monarch in colonial governance, responsible for ruling a colony.
• Concessions: Compromises made by a government or authority; in this context, British concessions were limited changes to allow more Indian participation in governance.

Summary:

The Partition of India in 1947 was a significant event where the British left India, resulting in the split into India and Pakistan based on religious lines. It caused widespread migration and violence, highlighted the struggle for independence led by figures like Gandhi, and was influenced by complex political agreements throughout the early 20th century.