Important Events from 1940 to 1947 in the Indian Freedom Struggle

Published on 10 September 2025 by
Important Events from 1940 to 1947 in the Indian Freedom Struggle

Important Events from 1940 to 1947 in the Indian Freedom Struggle: The decade of 1940–1947 was the final and most decisive phase of India’s freedom struggle. It was marked by mass movements, strong leadership, growing international pressure on the British, and India’s eventual independence in 1947. These years saw the Quit India Movement, the Cripps Mission, INA activities under Subhas Chandra Bose, Cabinet Mission Plan, and the partition of India. For UPSC EPFO aspirants, this period is extremely important as it directly led to independence.

Important Events from 1940 to 1947 for UPSC EPFO Exam

This timeline is crucial because it highlights the intense struggle between Indians and the British at a time when Britain was weakened due to World War II. During these years, Indian leaders made bold demands for complete independence, and the freedom movement became truly nationwide.

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1940

In 1940, India’s political climate was influenced by World War II. The demand for freedom grew stronger.

  • August Offer by Lord Linlithgow promising limited reforms and post-war dominion status.
  • Forward Bloc activities under Subhas Chandra Bose.
  • Individual Satyagraha launched by the Congress to assert the right to free speech.

1941

The momentum of revolutionary activities increased.

  • Subhas Chandra Bose escaped from house arrest in Calcutta and reached Germany to seek support.
  • Bose later went to Japan and reorganized the Indian National Army (INA).
  • British intensified repression against Congress leaders.

1942

This was a turning point year in the freedom struggle.

  • Cripps Mission sent to India to secure Indian cooperation during WWII, but it failed.
  • Quit India Movement (August 1942) launched by Mahatma Gandhi with the slogan “Do or Die”.
  • Mass arrests of leaders including Gandhi, Nehru, and Patel.
  • Violent protests, strikes, and sabotage by common people across India.
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1943

The freedom struggle took a global turn with INA activities.

  • Subhas Chandra Bose took command of INA in Singapore and gave the slogan “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom”.
  • INA’s military campaign began with Japanese support.
  • Bengal Famine (1943) led to millions of deaths, exposing British failure in governance.

1944

War-time struggles and Gandhi’s efforts continued.

  • INA’s unsuccessful attempt to enter India through Manipur and Nagaland.
  • Gandhi-Jinnah talks held to resolve Hindu-Muslim issues but failed.
  • Gandhi released from prison on health grounds.

1945

The end of World War II brought new hopes for India.

  • INA soldiers captured by the British and put on trial at the Red Fort, sparking nationwide protests.
  • Simla Conference held by Wavell to discuss Indian self-rule but ended without success.
  • Labour government came to power in Britain, favorable to Indian independence.
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1946

This year was filled with major political developments.

  • Royal Indian Navy Revolt in Bombay against British officers, supported by workers and students.
  • Cabinet Mission Plan proposed a united India with provincial autonomy but failed due to communal disagreements.
  • Direct Action Day called by Muslim League on 16th August, leading to communal riots.
  • Interim Government formed under Jawaharlal Nehru.

1947

The final year of the freedom struggle.

  • Mountbatten Plan announced partition of India into India and Pakistan.
  • Indian Independence Act (July 1947) passed by British Parliament.
  • 15th August 1947: India achieved independence; Jawaharlal Nehru became the first Prime Minister.
  • Partition led to large-scale communal riots and displacement.
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Important Questions for EPFO Exam (1940–1947)

  1. What was the August Offer of 1940?
  2. Who escaped from house arrest in 1941 and reorganized INA?
  3. Which year was the Quit India Movement launched?
  4. What was the slogan of the Quit India Movement?
  5. What was the Cripps Mission’s purpose?
  6. Who led the INA from 1943 onwards?
  7. Which event exposed British mismanagement during WWII in 1943?
  8. In which year did the Gandhi-Jinnah talks take place?
  9. Where were the INA trials held in 1945?
  10. Which conference in 1945 failed due to differences between leaders?
  11. What was the significance of the Labour Government in Britain in 1945?
  12. Which revolt of 1946 shook British confidence in its armed forces?
  13. What was the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946 about?
  14. What happened on Direct Action Day (1946)?
  15. Who headed the Interim Government in 1946?
  16. Which plan finally led to India’s partition in 1947?
  17. What was the Indian Independence Act of 1947?
  18. On which date did India gain independence?
  19. Who became India’s first Prime Minister?
  20. Which major social issue accompanied partition in 1947?

Answer Key

  1. August Offer promised dominion status after WWII and expanded councils
  2. Subhas Chandra Bose
  3. 1942
  4. “Do or Die”
  5. To secure Indian cooperation in WWII
  6. Subhas Chandra Bose
  7. Bengal Famine (1943)
  8. 1944
  9. Red Fort, Delhi
  10. Simla Conference
  11. It favored Indian independence
  12. Royal Indian Navy Revolt
  13. Proposed united India with provincial autonomy
  14. Communal riots in Bengal
  15. Jawaharlal Nehru
  16. Mountbatten Plan
  17. Legalized partition and independence
  18. 15th August 1947
  19. Jawaharlal Nehru
  20. Communal riots and displacement during Partition

FAQs

Q1: What was the August Offer of 1940 in the Indian freedom struggle?
The August Offer was a proposal by Viceroy Linlithgow promising dominion status after World War II, but it was rejected by Indian leaders as inadequate.

Q2: Why is the Quit India Movement of 1942 considered a turning point?
The Quit India Movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi with the slogan “Do or Die” marked a mass nationwide revolt, showing Britain that Indians would accept nothing short of complete independence.

Q3: What was the significance of the INA trials in 1945?
The Red Fort Trials of INA officers created massive nationalist support, uniting Indians across regions and increasing pressure on the British to quit India.

Q4: What was the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946 and why did it fail?
The Cabinet Mission Plan aimed to keep India united with provincial autonomy, but differences between Congress and Muslim League over communal representation led to its failure.

Q5: How did the Mountbatten Plan of 1947 lead to Indian independence?
The Mountbatten Plan provided for partition into India and Pakistan, which was legalized by the Indian Independence Act 1947, resulting in independence on 15th August 1947.