“The Second World War was the main reason for the weakening of British power in India.” Discuss with reference to the period from 1939 to 1947.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that the Second World War was the main reason for the weakening of British power in India. Post war there was a strong consensus that the time of empires was over and that countries must be given their independence. This was demonstrated in the signing of the Atlantic Charter, which made decolonization a goal at the end of the Second World War. Candidates may also discuss economic factors, in particular high inflation which had been caused by the British protecting their own currency during the war at the expense of India’s. Candidates may also argue that the war had weakened Britain and she was no longer in a position to maintain a large empire. Candidates may challenge the question and suggest that there were other more significant factors. They may discuss Gandhi’s effective leadership of the Quit India campaign. This campaign, combined with the formation of Indian-led provincial governments, had led to a growing belief amongst Indians that they could rule themselves. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.