What were the major political, economic and social developments in the world which motivated the anti-colonial struggle in India?

The Indian anti-colonial movement arose in a rapidly changing global context where both inspirational models of revolution abroad and material pressures boiled over by the early 20th century to spur an Independence movement.

Several key global developments catalysed Indian nationalists:

• Politically, the overthrow of monarchies in the American and French Revolutions demonstrated models for ending unjust rule, while the Bolshevik communist revolution presented ideas for a radical social-economic reordering that attracted some.
• Economically, the rapid 19th century drain of wealth to Britain fostered Indian poverty and food insecurity, sparking resentment against exploitative policies. Meanwhile, World War I strains weakened Britain’s grasp as its global preeminence declined.
• Socially, Europe’s Enlightenment ideals of democracy, liberty and self-determination had permeated the Western-educated Indian elite and middle classes. These groups increasingly questioned British denial of such rights.
• By World War II’s end, much global opinion turned anti-imperialist as colonies demanded freedom. Though Britain emerged victorious, the rebellion and mutiny of its Indian forces presaged an inability to resist the thirst for Independence.

So from inspirational models provided by major revolutions to material strains and social justice ideas reaching India, the global order had been transformed by the 20th century to make continued denial of Indian freedom incompatible with changing mores. These developments came together to propel a multifaceted independence movement.

Topics: GS-I: Modern Indian History & Freedom Struggle