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Indian Nationalism

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Assess the significance of Indian nationalism in the period 1845-1947 in changing Britain’s relationship with its empire in India.
There are many factors that led to the change of Britain’s relationship with its empire in the period 1845-1947. Such as the influence of key individuals including Gandhi, Jinnah and Nehru. The effects of both the First and Second World War on Britain which included its political situation and economy which was in turmoil due to the war. International pressure from countries such as the US whom Britain became reliant on during and after WW2. The consequences of key events such as the Indian mutiny and the Amritsar massacre which both brought about new policies and changed the way the country was governed. Nationalism was the most important factor in the period 1845-1947 in changing Britain’s relationship with its empire in India, as some of the factors listed above such as the Indian mutiny, and the support of key individuals were a result of nationalism.
The Indian mutiny was very significant in changing Britain’s relationship with its empire in India in the period 1845-1947 to a great extent. Nationalism was the leading cause behind the mutiny as the British failed to realise the importance of Indian culture and religion. The mutiny was one of the first notable events that lead to a change in the relationship of Britain and India as it brought about great change in the way India was governed. The mutiny was caused due to ‘…political grievance and religious fears.’The British planned to annex princely states which led to many people losing jobs. Leading to the antagonisation of the Indian people as they would lose their source of income having a bad effect on the relationship with the British. This was combined with the religious fears of the Brahman cast as they were horrified by the new railway as they would come into contact with

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