Study Guide · Chapter 25
23. AUGUST OFFER, 1940
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23. AUGUST OFFER, 1940
- Made by Viceroy Lord Linlithgow.
- Made in the context of Britain seeking Indian support/cooperation for the Second World War effort without offering a firm political concession.
- Promised Dominion Status as the objective (vague, no timeframe), expansion of Governor-General's Executive Council with more Indians, and set up of a War Advisory Council.
- Promised that no future constitution would be adopted without the consent of minorities (seen as a veto power given to the Muslim League, and as implicit British endorsement of the League's demand for special safeguards).
- Rejected by both Congress and the Muslim League — Congress found it inadequate and vague, especially the "minority veto" clause; the League, though not fully satisfied either, saw in it an implicit acknowledgment of its position as representative of Muslim interests.
- Individual civil disobedience (led by Vinoba Bhave as the first Satyagrahi) was launched by Congress in response, distinct from a full mass movement.
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