Lord Linlithgow

Lord Linlithgow was appointed Viceroy and Governor-General of India, a position he held until 1943. His tenure became the longest in the history of the British Raj, covering the critical period of World War II.

Without consulting Indian political leaders, Linlithgow declared India at war with Germany on behalf of the British Empire. This unilateral decision provoked outrage among Indian nationalists and led to the resignation of Congress ministries in protest.

Linlithgow proposed the August Offer, promising dominion status after the war and a constituent assembly. The offer was rejected by both the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League for not providing immediate self-government.

Following the Quit India Resolution, Linlithgow ordered the mass arrest of Congress leaders including Gandhi, Nehru, and Patel. The crackdown led to widespread unrest and was a turning point in British-Indian relations.

Linlithgow facilitated the Cripps Mission, which offered India dominion status after the war. The mission failed when Congress rejected the offer due to lack of immediate self-rule and the provision for partition.