Explain in short, the developments leading to the Quit India movement of 1942.

The threat of Japanese invasion:

1. Japanese were against the British in the World War II.

2. They had conquered Burma which created the fear of them proceeding towards India.

3. Indians had realised that Britain would not defend the country anymore and they would be left to themselves.

4. This created a sense of urgency to gain freedom from the British.

5. At the same time, the pressure was mounting from China and the United States to decide on the future of India and get help for the war.

Cripps’ mission:

1. Due to pressure from other countries, Britain Prime Minister dispatched Sir Stafford Cripps, a member of the War Cabinet, to India to discuss the British Government's Draft Declaration.

2. The draft granted dominion status to India after the war which was unacceptable to the Congress Working Committee.

In August 1942, Congress ratified the ‘Quit India’ resolution and authorised Gandhi to take charge of it.