Alex von Tunzelmann joins Anita and William to discuss Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India. Topics include: Mountbatten's superstar marriage, relationships with Nehru and Jinnah, role in the India partition, background and upbringing, grueling campaign in Burma during WW2, urgency and violence of power transfer in India, and the decision to partition India.
Lord Mountbatten and his wife Edwina Ashley were seen as celebrities and their marriage symbolized the union of class and wealth in Britain.
Mountbatten's excellent people skills and connections earned him the position of Supreme Allied Commander of Southeast Asia during World War II, despite his questionable military successes.
Mountbatten accelerated the transfer of power in India to avoid a violent fallout and prioritize Britain's public image, overseeing the partition and witnessing India's independence on August 15, 1947.
Deep dives
Lord Mountbatten and Edwina Ashley: A Glamorous Celebrity Marriage
Lord Mountbatten, the last viceroy of India, and his wife Edwina Ashley were seen as celebrities of their time. Their lavish wedding was attended by royalty and celebrities, highlighting their social significance in Britain. Mountbatten, despite his German origins, was considered completely British and had a naval background. Edwina came from great wealth and was possibly the wealthiest heiress of her time. Their marriage was a celebrity union, combining class and wealth, much like a Jane Austen novel.
Mountbatten's Role in World War II and Controversial Admiralty Position
Mountbatten's naval career during World War II saw him rise to the position of Supreme Allied Commander of Southeast Asia. Although he was considered unreliable in command and labeled the 'master of disaster,' he had connections and charisma that earned him this role. His excellent people skills ensured his popularity among the troops, despite his questionable military successes. However, his love for glamour and flash overshadowed his actual competence.
Mountbatten's Appointment as Viceroy and the Accelerated Transfer of Power
Mountbatten was appointed as the Viceroy of India with the mission to oversee the transfer of power from British rule. Sensing the urgency and the deteriorating situation in India, he made the controversial decision to accelerate the transfer and set a new deadline of August 15, 1947. This decision was driven by the fear of an impending bloodbath and the realization that British troops could become trapped or viewed as negligent. Mountbatten prioritized Britain's public image and the avoidance of a violent fallout on their hands.
The Partition of India and Mountbatten's Role in Drawing the Boundary
Mountbatten was responsible for overseeing the partition of India, which led to the creation of India and Pakistan. Cyril Radcliffe, a British civil servant, was tasked with drawing the partition line through Punjab and Bengal. The decision to partition stemmed from the Muslim League's demand for a separate country for Indian Muslims due to perceived threats from the Hindu majority. Mountbatten did not play a significant role in this decision and instead focused on managing the logistics and ensuring a smooth transition.
Mountbatten's Departure and India's Independence
On August 15, 1947, Mountbatten oversaw the transfer of power and witnessed India's independence. In a speech by Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, the momentous occasion was described as stepping out of the old into the new. Mountbatten's role in India's independence marked the end of the British Raj and the beginning of an independent India.
In this episode, Anita and William are joined by Alex von Tunzelmann to discuss Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India. Listen in to hear all about his superstar marriage to Edwina Ashley, his relationships with key figures such as Nehru and Jinnah, and the role he played in the partition of India.
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