- System of diarchy established between India and Britain.
- The Government of India Act 1919 was passed after Montagu Declaration of 1917. Under this act:
- A national parliament with two houses for India established and about 5 million of the wealthiest Indians were given the right to vote (a very small percentage of the total population).
- Within the provincial governments, ministers of education, health and public works could now be Indian nationals.
- The act planned for a commission to be held in 1929 (Simon Commission) to see if India was ready for more concessions/reforms.
- However, the British controlled all central government and within the provincial governments, the British kept control of the key posts of tax and law and order though required to justify them before the Legislative Council.
- Many in India felt that they had been badly let down by the British government for their part played in World War One.
- Simon Commission of 1929-30, which didn’t include Indian representation, recommended that:
- Federal system of government be created across India, incorporating both provinces and Princely States
- Provinces be given more power
- Defence, internal security and foreign affairs remain in hands of Viceroy.
- Round Table Conferences of 1930 and 1931 were special meetings due to the growing independence movement and the Salt March. Gandhi couldn’t attend the first one but attended the second but no agreement was reached. Dominion status rejected due to feeling of incompetent non-white leaders and India’s strategic and economic importance to Britain.
- Government of India Act 1935 created a federation of India by making provinces completely self-governing, though governors to be appointed by British. Self-government could be suspended in emergencies. Voting rights also expanded from 7 to 35 million people.
- Act opposed by Congress party because It fell short of independence. Princely States rejected federation.
After being dragged into war, several Congress ministers resigned from office in protest. Independence eventually given in 1947.