Response to the Offer
The INC, seeking complete national freedom, rejected the offer, considering it insufficient and insincere. Jawaharlal Nehru famously declared the concept of dominion status as completely irrelevant. The Muslim League, while acknowledging it as a step forward, was dissatisfied due to the lack of consultation over the Viceroy’s council expansion. The Hindu Mahasabha showed some warmth towards the offer, mainly due to the proposition of Dominion status.
Outcome and Impact
As time progressed, even those initially open to the offer became skeptical about the British commitment to real constitutional and political reforms. By the end of the year, most political parties had dismissed the offer, making it clear that the British attempt to secure Indian cooperation in the war through this offer had been largely unsuccessful.
August Offer 1940
August Offer 1940: The August Offer in 1940 played an important role in the Indian independence movement. It was proposed by the British government during the peak of World War II. The British Government asked for the support of Indians in World War II. This offer showed a significant shift in British policy and, for the first time, acknowledged the need for constitutional reforms in India. Read this comprehensive article to learn about the August offer in depth.
Table of Content
- Background of the August Offer
- The Proposal for the August Offer
- Significance of the August Offer
- Response to the Offer