During World War II, India contributed around 2.5 million volunteer soldiers to fight for the Allies. These incredibly brave soldiers came from humble and impoverished backgrounds, but they fought passionately on land, sea, and air. It is a long list of legends, some acknowledged but mostly underrated, who played critical roles during the war. In this article, we will discuss the impact of World War II on India which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

India’s Role in the World War II

• The Indian contribution extended beyond soldiers in the second world war.
• Indian men and women of all backgrounds contributed to the war effort in the fight against fascism.
• Indians helped in all aspects of the war effort, including serving on merchant supply ships transporting supplies and food to soldiers in Europe.
• Indian doctors and nurses were heavily involved on British and other countries' soil.
• The Indian Comforts Fund (ICF) was founded in 1939 at India House in Aldwych and was run by Indian and British women.
• Between 1939 and 1945, the ICF distributed over 1.7 million food packets to soldiers and Asian POWs, in addition to warm clothing and other supplies.

Impact of World War II on India

• Even before World War II, the British had recognized the futility of retaining their rule in India. The British Empire had suffered greatly as a result of World War II.
• Britain had lost a lot of capital and was looking to its colonies to help them regain their status as a world power. However, Mahatma Gandhi was organizing Indians against the British at the time.
• The Second World War also caused a catastrophic loss to the Indian economy; between 1939 and 1945, external factors heavily influenced the economy, resulting in massive economic imbalances that persisted long after peace was achieved in India.
• The root cause of India's entire economic problem was inflation, which manifested as a result of massive amounts of treasury being used to finance various military activities.
• The Second World War had four major consequences for India:
  • high inflation due to war expenditure;
  • a drop in the value of the Indian currency;
  • economic imbalances due to currency exchange problems, and
  • the development of exchange control.
• The biggest cause of inflation in India could be explained by the country's Sterling Balance problem.
• As much as 1600 crores in Sterling securities were held by the RBI, resulting in even more paper currency being flushed into the market, eventually leading to uncontrolled inflation.
• WWII fueled India's independence struggle, but not before the British nearly lost India to Netaji's Indian National Army.
• In addition, World War II was fought to prevent Hitler from establishing German colonies outside of Germany's borders, a colonial occupation that Britain had already been carrying out for centuries.
• As a result, following the war, people all over the world began to support voices opposing the British occupation of its colonies.
• The Bengal Famine in 1943 was devastating for the Indian people, but the British refusal to stop supplies from India in favor of those suffering in the country only strengthened the nationalists' resolve in their call for freedom.
• When the Labour Party took power in Britain in 1945, it was committed to internationalism and racial equality, among other liberal principles.
• Prime Minister Clement Attlee (Labour Party) began the process of granting India independence shortly after taking office in 1947.

Impacts of World War II on the rest of the world.

• Colonialism and imperialism came to an end.
• Dictatorships in Germany and Italy ended.
• Germany was split into two parts: West Germany and East Germany.
  • West Germany was ruled by the United Kingdom, France, and the United States. The Soviet Union occupied East Germany.
• Nationalist movements in Africa and Asia were becoming more powerful.
• There were nearly 5 million deaths (2.2 crore soldiers and 2.8 crore civilians).
• Rise of unemployment, low growth, and other economic issues
• There was the emergence of two power blocs–the United States and the Soviet Union and as a result, there was a cold war.
• The rise of third-world countries.
• The United Nations Organization (UNO) was established in 1945.

Conclusion

As we know today, India's contribution to WWII had a positive impact on the shaping of South Asia and South-East Asia. Throughout WWII and the postwar period, India's influence stretched from former Burma (now Myanmar) in the east to Afghanistan in the northwest. India was never involved in the cause of World War II, but its participation had a major impact on the outcome, which the current generation should be aware of and proud of.

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Analyze the impact of World War II on India's economy and its consequences on the Indian independence movement.

Answer: World War II brought significant economic hardship to India, with rising inflation, food shortages, and the devastating Bengal Famine of 1943. These conditions, coupled with the British government's exploitation of Indian resources and manpower, deepened public resentment. The war also created opportunities for Indian soldiers and leaders to demand greater autonomy. The Quit India Movement of 1942 and the formation of the Indian National Army (INA) under Subhas Chandra Bose were direct consequences of the war, accelerating the independence movement.

Q2: Examine how World War II shaped the political landscape in India and contributed to the independence struggle.

Answer: World War II played a crucial role in shaping India's political landscape. The British decision to involve India in the war without consulting its leaders led to widespread discontent. This gave rise to the Quit India Movement in 1942, demanding an immediate end to British rule. The post-war period also saw a weakened Britain, which was struggling to maintain its empire. The war created a sense of urgency for independence, with the British realizing they could no longer suppress the nationalist movement, eventually leading to India's independence in 1947.

Q3: Discuss the impact of the Bengal Famine of 1943 during World War II and its implications on British rule in India.

Answer: The Bengal Famine of 1943 was one of the most tragic consequences of World War II in India, with millions of people dying from starvation. The famine exposed the shortcomings of British colonial governance, particularly its failure to manage resources effectively during the war. The British prioritization of war efforts over the well-being of Indian citizens further fueled anti-colonial sentiments. The famine intensified calls for independence and showcased the deep flaws in the colonial system, weakening British legitimacy and contributing to the urgency for India's independence.

Previous Year Questions on Impact of World War II on India 

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2018:

Question: What was the immediate effect of the Quit India Movement during World War II?

A. Strengthened British rule

B. Mass arrests and suppression

C. Formation of the Indian National Army

D. Withdrawal of British troops from India

Answer: B

Explanation: The British responded to the Quit India Movement with mass arrests, imprisoning leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and suppressing the movement.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2017 (GS Paper 1):

Question: Examine the impact of World War II on India's economy and its contribution to the independence movement.

Answer: World War II devastated India's economy, causing inflation, unemployment, and food shortages. The British reliance on Indian resources and manpower further strained relations, leading to widespread dissatisfaction. The economic crisis was exacerbated by the Bengal Famine of 1943, highlighting the failures of British rule. Politically, the war galvanized nationalist sentiments, resulting in the Quit India Movement. Britain's weakened post-war position and pressure from Indian leaders accelerated negotiations, culminating in India's independence in 1947.

3. UPSC CSE Prelims 2017:

Question: How did World War II influence the Indian National Army (INA)?

A. Strengthened British army control

B. Led to the INA's formation to fight British rule

C. INA fought alongside British forces

D. INA opposed Indian independence

Answer: B

Explanation: During World War II, the Indian National Army (INA) was formed under Subhas Chandra Bose to fight against British rule with the support of Axis powers.