Explore the nationalistic response to the Second World War, including Germany's attack on Poland, Congress's conditional support to the Viceroy, the CWC meeting at Wardha, and the resolutions that followed. Understand the political and ideological shifts during this period of global conflict.

Germany Attacks Poland: The Spark Ignites World War II and Impacts India

• Date: September 1, 1939
• Action: Germany attacked Poland, leading to the Second World War.
• Britain's Response: On September 3, 1939, Britain declared war against Germany.
• British Government of India: Declared support for the war without consulting Indian opinion.

Congress Offer to Viceroy: Conditional Support for the War Effort

• Congress’s Position: Despite displeasure with Britain’s unilateral action, Congress decided to support the war conditionally.
• Conditions for Support:
  • 1. Convene a constituent assembly after the war to determine the political structure of a free India.
  • 2. Establish a genuinely responsible government at the Centre immediately.
• Rejection: The offer was rejected by Linlithgow, the viceroy. Congress argued these conditions were necessary to win public opinion for the war.

CWC Meeting at Wardha: Debating India's Stance in World War II

• Official Position: Adopted at the Wardha session of the Congress Working Committee (CWC).
• Different Opinions:
  • Gandhi: Advocated unconditional support to Allied powers, distinguishing between democratic nations and totalitarian regimes.
  • Subhas Bose and Socialists: Believed both sides were imperialist and advocated launching a civil disobedience movement instead.
  • Jawaharlal Nehru: Believed justice was on the side of Britain, France, and Poland but opposed immediate civil disobedience. He felt the war was a result of capitalism’s inner contradictions.
• Gandhi’s Final Stand: Decided to align with Nehru’s position, which was adopted by the CWC.

CWC Resolution: Demanding Freedom and Clarity on War Aims

• Resolution Points:
  • (i) India could not support a war fought for democratic freedom while being denied freedom itself.
  • (ii) If Britain was fighting for democracy, it should end imperialism and establish full democracy in India.
  • (iii) The government should declare its war aims and how democratic principles would be applied to India after the war.
• Objective: To give every chance to the viceroy and the British Government.