WWI: Causes and Indian Involvement

Causes of the First World War

• Imperialism and colonial rivalries between European powers
• Nationalism and militarism in various countries
• Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in 1914
• Complex system of alliances between European nations

Indian Involvement in the First World War

• India was a British colony, automatically entering the war on Britain's side
• Over 1.3 million Indian soldiers served in the war, with many casualties
• India's contribution to the war effort included both human and material resources

Khilafat Movement (1919-1924)

• A pan-Islamic movement that emerged in India during the war
• Goal was to protect the Ottoman Empire's Caliphate (Islamic leadership) from Allied powers
• Led by Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali, who were influenced by Mahatma Gandhi
• Demanded that the British government protect the Caliphate and ensure Turkey's territorial integrity
• Movement was popular among Indian Muslims, who saw it as a way to assert their identity and solidarity with the global Islamic community

Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922)

• A nationwide movement led by Mahatma Gandhi, inspired by the Khilafat movement
• Goal was to non-violently resist British rule in India and achieve Swaraj (self-rule)
• Movement involved various forms of non-cooperation, including:
  • Boycott of British goods and institutions
  • Refusal to pay taxes
  • Non-participation in British government and elections
  • Use of Indian goods and services instead of British ones
• Movement was suspended by Gandhi in 1922, following the Chauri Chaura incident where protesters turned violent

Connection between Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movements

• The Khilafat movement's focus on Islamic identity and solidarity influenced Gandhi's decision to launch the Non-Cooperation movement
• Gandhi saw the Khilafat movement as an opportunity to unite Hindus and Muslims in a common struggle against British rule
• The two movements shared a common goal of challenging British authority and achieving Indian independence

Causes of the First World War

• European powers competing for colonies and territories led to imperialism and colonial rivalries
• Nationalism and militarism created an atmosphere of tension and aggression in various countries
• Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in 1914 triggered the war
• Complex system of alliances between European nations made it difficult to remain neutral

Indian Involvement in the First World War

• As a British colony, India automatically entered the war on Britain's side
• Over 1.3 million Indian soldiers served in the war, with many casualties and sacrifices
• India contributed significantly to the war effort, providing both human and material resources

Khilafat Movement (1919-1924)

• Pan-Islamic movement emerged in India during the war to protect the Ottoman Empire's Caliphate
• Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali, influenced by Mahatma Gandhi, led the movement
• Demanded that the British government protect the Caliphate and ensure Turkey's territorial integrity
• Popular among Indian Muslims, who saw it as a way to assert their identity and solidarity with the global Islamic community

Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922)

• Nationwide movement led by Mahatma Gandhi, inspired by the Khilafat movement
• Aimed to non-violently resist British rule in India and achieve Swaraj (self-rule)
• Involved various forms of non-cooperation, including boycotts, tax refusal, and non-participation in British government and elections
• Suspension of the movement in 1922 followed the Chauri Chaura incident, where protesters turned violent

Connection between Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movements

• Khilafat movement's focus on Islamic identity and solidarity influenced Gandhi's decision to launch the Non-Cooperation movement
• Gandhi saw the Khilafat movement as an opportunity to unite Hindus and Muslims in a common struggle against British rule
• Shared goal of challenging British authority and achieving Indian independence