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How did World War II accelerate India’s path to independence?
Updated: 11-Apr-2025

World War II drained British resources and shifted global opinion on colonialism. India’s forced participation without consultation led to the Quit India Movement. The post-war economic crisis, rising nationalist sentiments, and the INA trials weakened British control. Simultaneously, international pressure mounted for decolonization.

The Labour government in Britain, elected in 1945, was more sympathetic to Indian independence. Mountbatten’s arrival as Viceroy led to negotiations culminating in the Indian Independence Act of 1947. Thus, WWII indirectly hastened the end of British colonial rule in India.

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