Question 45 from UPSC CSE 2021 - Modern History

Question

With reference to 8th August, 1942 in Indian history, which one of the following statements is correct?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. The Quit India Resolution was adopted by the AICC.

Strategy: Focus on the specific date, 8th August 1942, to identify the Quit India Resolution. Eliminate other options by recognizing they correspond to different years and events, such as the August Offer (1940), Congress ministries' resignation (1939), and the Cripps Mission (March 1942).

Key Info: The Quit India Movement was launched by the Indian National Congress on 8th August 1942, following the adoption of the Quit India Resolution by the AICC at Mumbai's Gowalia Tank Maidan. Led by Mahatma Gandhi, the movement demanded an immediate end to British rule, famously encapsulated in his 'Do or Die' speech. The arrest of the Congress leadership within hours of the launch triggered widespread protests and a mass uprising across the country.

**Other related events:**
- The August Offer of 1940 expanded the Viceroy's Executive Council, not in 1942.
- Congress ministries resigned in provinces between October and November 1939, protesting India's unilateral involvement in World War II.
- The Cripps Mission of March 1942, which offered Dominion Status after the war, was rejected by the Congress prior to August 1942.

The Quit India Movement stands as one of the most significant uprisings in the final phase of India's struggle for independence.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: The Viceroy's Executive Council was expanded to include more Indians.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: The Congress ministries resigned in seven provinces.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Cripps proposed an Indian Union with full Dominion Status once the Second World War was over.