British Rule in India at the End of the First World War

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.