Although Germany and Japan were defeated in the Second World War, the towering imperial power of Great Britain had also weakened. The Soviet Union and the USA emerged as the two great powers in the World. There was a common antiimperialist feeling all over the Asian colonies, including India. The Congress, though banned by the Government in 1942, had gained more popularity. Quit India was the main agenda of its campaigns. The threat of the movement was always hovering over the Government. People were in a mood to do or die. There were regular strikes protesting against unemployment, price-hike and food shortage. It looked as if the country was going to face another famine. Nehru declared “If people die of hunger, their deaths will be revenged.” 

The new struggle took the form of a massive movement against the trial of the INA soldiers, all over India. These soldiers were considered as war heroes. Hindus and Muslims united in protest against the seven years rigorous punishment passed on Abdul Rashid. Hundreds of people died while protesting against the trial. Finally, the Government had to quash the decision and remit the three INA officers. 

The explosive situation, which had developed in India after the war, continued till 1946. Hundreds of non-industrial workers, bank employees, post and telegraph workers participated in the agitation. Railway men also threatened to go on a strike. 

On February 18, 1946, the ratings of the Royal Indian Navy in Mumbai openly revolted against the miserable service conditions, poor meals, racial discrimination and arrogance of their British officers. Within 48 hours, the strike spread to naval bases all over the country. The Congress and League flags were hoisted on the ships. The mutineers, led by the naval strike committee, renamed the Royal Indian Navy as the Indian National Navy. 

The Government threatened them with serious consequences. When they returned to their respective ships and barracks on February 20, they found themselves cordoned off b y armed guards. A pitched-battle broke out between the British army, police and the RIN strikers. The cause of the ratings evoked tremendous support from the people. 

On February 22, the Mumbai working class, already agitated over ration cuts, called for a general strike. All textile mills, railway workshops and city transport closed down. Hindu and Muslims, students and workers also supported the naval mutiny. Violent street fighting and serious clashes took place on February 22 and 23. Karachi remained disturbed throughout the month of February. About 300 people were killed and 1500 injured in Mumbai on 22nd and 23rd February. 

However, the strike was called off on 23rd when Sardar Patel and Jinnah urged the mutineers to lay down their arms. While surrendering they declared, “We surrender to India and not to Britain.” The INA episode and the Naval Mutiny had bridged the gap between the people and armed forces and both found themselves on the common platform fighting for the cause of freedom. 

Though the Quit India Movement and the strikes were called off, they clearly revealed the strong determination of the Indian people to do away with the British rule. The British had never faced such an opposition before. They realised that it was no longer possible to hold India by force. In a letter to Churchill, Lord Wavell had pointed out, “It would be impossible to hold India by force after the war… it would in fact be wise to start negotiation before the end of the war.” 

The people in England were also fed up of the struggle. They wanted the Government to concentrate on internal reconstruction and problems created by the war. As a result, Winston Churchill who was determined to hold on to the British Colonies, was voted out of power and Labour party leader, Clement Attlee was elected as Prime Minister in 1945. It had become clear that the British would have to leave India sooner or later. 

Conclusion : Finally, the Quit India Movement and the stiff opposition to British rule by the people of India had created a strong public opinion in foreign countries in favour of India. America and China were specially influenced by the tide of this revolution. The American President, Roosevelt, wrote to the Chinese Prime Minister that the best policy for the English would be to grant independence to the people of India as soon as possible.