India and Pakistan

Let’s make like a banana and split!

The WAY BACK Machine Way back, around World

War I, the British had already begun discussing freeing India.

Meanwhile, the Muslim and Hindu populations of India presented a serious potential for fighting.

The Indian National Congress was primarily Hindu and so the Muslims formed a group called the Muslim League.

Mohandas Gandhi Gandhi led the

independence movement of India, using non-violence. Led boycotts against

British clothing and of British salt. He also fasted to

show his frustration with the British.

What American event and person does this sound like?

Limited Freedom to Total Freedom Right before World War II, the British gave

India self-rule, meaning they could vote for their leaders.

After World War II, Britain was ready to give them complete independence because it was expensive to run India.

Breaking It In Pieces To Keep The Peace

However, fearing a war might break out between the Muslims and Hindus, Britain divided the country into two: India (for Hindus) and Pakistan (for Muslims) in 1947.

Both groups were happy and began moving to their respective areas.

Violence Came Anyway

In spite of this, one million people died during fighting as groups migrated to the new regions.

A major source of problems has been the Kashmir, a place India controls, but that is predominantly Muslim.

Enter: The UN The situation got so bad that the UN had to

get involved. India was forced to give 1/3 of the region to

Pakistan. Problems still continue.

Enter: Bangladesh?! The original division of

India and Pakistan made little sense because Pakistan was divided into two parts with India in the middle.

Pakistan’s government was located in Western Pakistan and the eastern portion felt ignored.

With India’s aid, East Pakistan fought for, and gained, independence becoming Bangladesh.