British Rule in India at the End of the First World War
By the end of the First World War the British Rule in India was still
powerful, but would soon break down. However, thousands of Indians
fought in the war hoping that in return they would be given home rule.
It would have been difficult to win without the invaluable help of the
Indians and their constant supply of manpower. India was a vast
supplier of raw materials to Britain and would in return buy British
manufactured goods.
Two- thirds of India was governed by the British, whilst the remainder
was governed by Indian princes. The princely state rulers kept their
power by signing treaties with the British. Signing these treaties
would make the Indian princes loyal supporters to the British Raj.
British judges, army officers and police officers all were involved
when it came to controlling India. However, Indians served s police
officers, lawyers and as solider. But there were always British
officers and officials above them. The power was within the members of
the Indian Civil Service, who were responsible for administering
India, settling disputes and encouraging economic development.
India had been run by direct rule, (when the person running the
country is physically in the country they own), which was what the
Viceroy did, but still had to answer to the British Parliament and
indirect rule (when someone has to refer to someone else when it comes
to making decisions, laws and rules).
The Viceroy, who was appointed by the British government at
Westminster, was the king's representative. The Viceroy governed with
the help and assistance of the Imperial Legislative ...
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...ortunities to give them some sort of power,
and did fail in its attempts to reform India, but at the same time
didn't (as Indians were given hope and power). But they failed because
the Indians had one thing on their mind which was self government,
which would also show why they'd rejected many of the acts. Also by
how the situation would keep getting worse with the Indians becoming
more and more frustrated. Such as how the Indians were always thought
of as second best by the quotes from the Sources "If riding a pony, an
Indian was expected to dismount and lead the pony" not only is that
humiliating for having to do that in your own country but is
undeserved. The Indians could not get very high jobs in the hierarchy,
and if were given the chance would not be given very secure positions,
and only few would be given out.
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