Among the many nations of the world, few possess the potential to become great powers. The United States is undoubtedly one of the fortunate few. The natural barriers of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans safeguard its homeland, while the absence of nearby formidable rivals enables it to devote all its resources to external expansion. It can be said that these favorable conditions have earned the United States its title as the "chosen nation." Similarly, the rise of the American Empire in a different time and space is inseparable from these factors.
India, too, holds the potential to become a great power. Its vast expanse, massive population, and favorable geographical surroundings all contribute to its potential. To the north, the towering Himalayas block any potential invaders, and similarly, there are no formidable nations nearby. However, India has long been plagued by a tragic history of conquest. The nomadic tribes of Central Asia repeatedly invaded, and the indigenous people of India were unable to defend themselves, remaining subjugated for centuries. As a result, the native inhabitants of India have long occupied the lowest rungs of the social ladder, while foreign invaders have consistently risen to the highest echelons of society.
With the onset of the Age of Exploration, Western colonizers began their global conquests, and naturally, India became a prime target for colonization. After fierce competition and struggle, Britain emerged victorious, seizing control of the entire subcontinent. This, however, was hardly a boon for the Indian people. At the time, the British Empire was at its zenith, plundering India for wealth, which only further augmented Britain's strength. The indigenous population attempted numerous uprisings, but each was brutally suppressed by the British. Particularly during the great Indian Rebellion of the mid-18th century, while it inflicted significant losses upon British colonial forces, it also left India awash in blood.
Since then, although India witnessed several uprisings, the majority of its population had been subjugated. They had resigned themselves to their fate, willingly enduring the exploitation and oppression by the British. Of course, over them also reigned the local feudal lords, who had allied with the British colonial authorities to form a cohesive power structure.
However, as the 20th century dawned, the Indian populace began to stir from its slumber. Figures like Gandhi, Tilak, Jinnah, and Nehru emerged as key leaders. Except for Jinnah, who aligned with the Green Party, the other three were prominent figures of the Indian National Congress. They sought to free India from British colonial rule and led the masses in their efforts for independence. Particularly during the World Wars, after Britain suffered defeat, many believed their moment had finally arrived.
Unfortunately, even after Britain's defeat in the war and the fall of its homeland, its hold over India remained formidable. Furthermore, the majority of the population had already acquiesced to British rule, and the feudal lords had forged close ties with the colonial authorities, making it exceedingly difficult for the Congress and other parties to overthrow British dominance.
The Indian National Congress, with its 30 million members, was the largest political party in India. Yet, within it, there were intense divisions. Gandhi's faction, the moderates, advocated for a peaceful path to independence, while Tilak's faction, the radicals, favored more extreme measures, including the possibility of war.
Though their methods differed, their ultimate goal was the same: to rid India of British rule and establish a truly independent nation.
Mumbai, the largest and most industrialized city in India, naturally became the heart of the Indian National Congress.
At the headquarters of the Congress, the radical leader Tilak and the moderate leader Gandhi were meeting. In the room, besides the two of them, Gandhi's student Nehru was present, tasked with recording the proceedings.
Tilak, once a fierce advocate for radical change, now appeared to have tempered his stance. After leading a massive strike of Mumbai's workers, he had been arrested and imprisoned for six years. Perhaps it was during his time in prison that Tilak came to recognize the might of Britain, leading to a shift in his attitude. In August 1914, he had even announced loyalty to Britain, hoping this would pave the way for Indian autonomy and eventual independence. This shift had, to some extent, alleviated the tensions between the moderate and radical factions of the Congress.
However, it now seemed too late. Although Britain had been defeated in the war, its colonial power in India remained strong. The British government had retreated to Canada, its survival in question, let alone the possibility of granting India autonomy or independence.
The looming presence of even more powerful colonizers, coupled with the imminent threat of war engulfing India, left the nation's elite in deep anxiety. They were uncertain how many lives would be lost in the coming conflict, or how many families would be torn apart.
It was for this very reason that the meeting between Tilak and Gandhi was so crucial. As leaders of the Indian National Congress, they felt an obligation to rescue India from the impending disaster.
"Gandhi, India is in grave danger!" Tilak exclaimed, his face etched with despair. "The colonial authorities are ramping up their military forces, and soon, a great war will break out in India. Blood will once again flood the Indian subcontinent!"
"Is there no way to avert this war?" Gandhi asked, his expression one of profound sorrow. Though frail in appearance, to most Indians, he was almost a divine figure.
Tilak shook his head. "To the Western powers, India has always been a coveted prize, a rich land that all seek to claim. Before, Britain was strong, and other nations could not interfere. But now, with Britain defeated by Germany, the Germans will not let India slip from their grasp. Their armies have already taken Egypt, and soon, they will move into the Middle East. And once they have secured the Middle East, India will be next."
"Is it possible to contact the Germans and seek their support for our autonomy or independence?" Nehru inquired.
"Impossible!" Tilak responded firmly. "The Germans are even more ruthless than the British. They will never pass up an opportunity to enslave us."