1.

Explain the impact of the First World War on India.

Answer»

(i) The British Government of India compelled India, one of their colonies, to participate in the World War.

(ii) India became the source of procuring help in the form of money, food, clothing, and other war supplies. During 1919-20, the British Government in India provided help to England worth Rs.19 billion. India also contributed one hundred and fifty crores of rupees to the war expenses.

(iii) Seventeen of the Indian soldiers were honoured and decorated with ‘Victoria Cross’, a medal, given for gallantry.

(iv) War left a significant impact on various fields including production of war supplies, civil industries, trade, economic policies, farming and agricultural production, etc. This war boosted India’s industrial growth, especially in the Iron and steel industry. Considerable growth was also seen in motor transportation and motor vehicles.

(v) During the wartime and post-war period there was a decrease in export. The prices of agricultural products reduced but the prices of industrial products increased. Indian food grains were exported to allied nations. It caused a shortage of food and increasing prices of food grains for the Indians.

(vi) Due to war experience Indians realized that India could be considered backward in the matters of aircraft, mechanized war instruments, medical facilities. In 1917, Montagu- Chelmsford administrative reforms were introduced in India. India became extremely poor due to war.



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