Lord Chelmsford

Chelmsford was appointed Viceroy of India during World War I. His tenure was dominated by the war effort, the rise of Indian nationalism, and the implementation of the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, which introduced limited self-government.

During Chelmsford's viceroyalty, British troops under General Dyer fired on unarmed Indian civilians in Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, killing hundreds. Chelmsford initially supported Dyer but later faced criticism for his handling of the aftermath, which fueled the Indian independence movement.

Chelmsford, with Secretary of State Edwin Montagu, introduced the Government of India Act 1919, which established dyarchy in the provinces. The reforms expanded Indian participation in government but retained British control over key areas, disappointing nationalists.

Chelmsford's government passed the Rowlatt Act, extending wartime emergency powers to suppress political dissent. The act sparked widespread protests, including Gandhi's first nationwide satyagraha, and contributed to the atmosphere leading to the Amritsar Massacre.