The British government introduced the August Offer in India in 1940 to secure wartime support during World War II. The proposal came from Viceroy Lord Linlithgow in New Delhi and aimed to reassure Indian leaders with limited concessions. However, it failed to address the demand for full independence, leading to widespread rejection by major political groups.

BulletsIn

• Offer aimed to obtain India’s World War II cooperation.
• Britain promised dominion status and a future constitution-making body.
• Viceroy’s Executive Council expansion planned with more Indian seats.
• Core powers like defence and finance kept under British control.
• Congress rejected offer for not granting full independence.
• Muslim League rejected due to no promise of separate Pakistan.
• Gandhi launched Individual Satyagraha against forced war support.
• First Satyagrahis included Vinoba Bhave, Nehru, Brahma Dutt.
• Movement weakened, arrests increased, Delhi Chalo effort failed.
• Rejection pushed Britain to revise strategy and send Cripps Mission in 1942.