August Declaration 1917
Also called: Montagu Declaration · Topic: The National Movement: Gandhian Era · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
The August Declaration was a promise the British made in the middle of the First World War. On 20 August 1917, Edwin Montagu, the Secretary of State for India, spoke in the House of Commons. He said British policy aimed at the "progressive realisation of responsible government" in India. This meant Indians would be given more share in running the government, step by step. It was the first official promise of self-rule. It led to the Montagu–Chelmsford Reforms.
Example
The Declaration was followed by the Montagu–Chelmsford Report of 1918. This report became the Government of India Act 1919, which brought in "dyarchy" in the provinces. Under dyarchy, some subjects were handed to Indian ministers and others stayed with British officials.
Don't confuse with
- August Offer (1940): Viceroy Linlithgow made this offer during the Second World War. It promised dominion status after the war. The August Declaration came in 1917, during the First World War.
Related concepts
- Mahatma Gandhi
- Gandhi in South Africa
- Natal Indian Congress
- Indian Opinion
- Phoenix Settlement
- Tolstoy Farm
- Indian National Congress
- Moderates
- Extremists
- Lal Bal Pal