2.1 - The First World War, Khilafat and Non-Cooperation

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The Impact of World War I on Indian Nationalism

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Teacher
Teacher

Today we will explore how the First World War affected Indian nationalism. What were some key changes that happened during this period?

Student 1
Student 1

There were lots of economic hardships due to tax increases and inflation.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! The extreme hardship, where prices doubled and forced recruitment occurred, created widespread anger. This shared suffering helped bond diverse groups together in the national struggle. Can anyone remember how many people were affected by famines and epidemics?

Student 2
Student 2

About 12 to 13 million people according to the 1921 census.

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! This massive loss highlighted the urgent need for uniting against colonial powers. Thus, the consciousness of nationalism began to form.

Gandhi’s Philosophy of Satyagraha

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Teacher
Teacher

Now, let's discuss Gandhi's principle of Satyagraha. What do you think Satyagraha means?

Student 3
Student 3

It's about truth and non-violent resistance, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! Gandhi emphasized that if the cause was legitimate, no violence is needed. Instead, we appeal to the oppressor's conscience. Let’s remember it with the acronym 'TRUE': Truth, Resistance, Unity, Empathy. Can someone give an example of its implementation?

Student 4
Student 4

The Rowlatt Satyagraha was a significant example!

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! The protest against the repressive Rowlatt Act in 1919 showcased this strategic use of non-violence.

Khilafat Movement and Non-Cooperation Movement

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Teacher
Teacher

Let’s shift our focus to the Khilafat Movement. How did Gandhi perceive this movement in context to the Non-Cooperation Movement?

Student 1
Student 1

He saw it as a way to bring Muslims together with Hindus for a common cause.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! The Khilafat Movement, which aimed to protect the Khalifa's authority, also paved the way for the Non-Cooperation Movement. Can anyone recall what the Non-Cooperation Movement involved?

Student 2
Student 2

It involved boycotting British goods and institutions.

Teacher
Teacher

Good! The movement called various groups into action, each with their own reasons for joining. Remember, the term swaraj meant different things to different people.

Challenges in the Movement

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Teacher
Teacher

What challenges do you think faced the Non-Cooperation Movement that led to its decline?

Student 3
Student 3

There were issues like the cost of Khadi compared to foreign cloth and some violence that scared people away.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Economic limitations and scattered instances of violence led Gandhi to call off the movement in February 1922. How can we summarize the lessons learned from this?

Student 4
Student 4

Understanding the importance of ongoing civil disobedience and training in non-violent resistance!

Teacher
Teacher

Well said! Continuous education and restraint were crucial, and these principles shaped future movements.

Introduction & Overview

Read a summary of the section's main ideas. Choose from Basic, Medium, or Detailed.

Quick Overview

In this section, the emergence of modern nationalism in India is explored, focusing on the impact of the First World War, the Khilafat movement, and the Non-Cooperation Movement led by Mahatma Gandhi.

Standard

This section examines the rise of nationalism in India during the early 20th century, detailing how the First World War intensified social unrest, resulting in significant movements like the Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movements. It highlights Mahatma Gandhi's role in connecting various social groups under a unified struggle against colonial rule.

Detailed

Detailed Summary

The section begins by establishing that modern nationalism in Europe was closely tied to the formation of nation-states, leading to newfound identities and cultural symbols among communities. In India, this consciousness started to take form during the anti-colonial struggle against British rule. The First World War (1914-1918) catalyzed substantial economic changes, resulting in increased hardships for the Indian populace, such as tax hikes and food shortages due to crop failures and epidemics.

With the repressive Rowlatt Act of 1919, Mahatma Gandhi proposed the idea of Satyagraha — a non-violent resistance rooted in truth. His return to India in 1915 marked the beginning of organized protests against British injustices, culminating in the widespread Rowlatt Satyagraha.

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre (April 1919) incited further distrust against British rule, leading to intensified nationalist sentiments. Gandhi's vision included uniting Hindus and Muslims under the Khilafat Movement, which sought to protect the Ottoman Empire's Khalifa, thus fostering cooperation between communities.

The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched in 1921, inviting various sections of Indian society, including students, peasants, and urban workers, who each defined swaraj (self-rule) through different lenses. While the movement initially garnered broad support, it faced challenges like economic limitations and instances of violence, which ultimately led to Gandhi withdrawing it in 1922.

The subsequent phases saw the rise of youth-led organizations like the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association, emphasizing the need for revolutionary change. A notable shift occurred when the demand for Purna Swaraj (complete independence) gained traction in the late 1920s, culminating in significant events such as the Salt March in 1930, which became a pivotal symbol of civil disobedience against British rule.

In summary, this section illustrates how diverse social groups navigated their unique aspirations within a collective national identity, driven by Gandhi’s Satyagraha philosophy and the urgent need for India's independence.

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Audio Book

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Impact of World War I on India

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In the years after 1919, we see the national movement spreading to new areas, incorporating new social groups, and developing new modes of struggle. How do we understand these developments? What implications did they have? First of all, the war created a new economic and political situation. It led to a huge increase in defence expenditure which was financed by war loans and increasing taxes: customs duties were raised and income tax introduced. Through the war years prices increased – doubling between 1913 and 1918 – leading to extreme hardship for the common people. Villages were called upon to supply soldiers, and the forced recruitment in rural areas caused widespread anger.

Detailed Explanation

The First World War (1914-1919) had profound effects on Indian society. It modified the economic landscape due to increased military spending, which the British financed through loans and taxes. This meant common people faced higher taxes and rising prices. For instance, between 1913 and 1918, prices doubled, making it hard for families to afford basic necessities. Additionally, many villages had to provide soldiers, leading to feelings of resentment particularly due to forced recruitment practices in rural areas. These changes contributed to an atmosphere of unrest and deepened anti-colonial sentiments.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a community where, due to a country's wartime policies, families suddenly have to pay much higher prices for groceries without any corresponding increase in their wages. This would strain their budgets, and they might become angry towards the government. Similarly, when men from these families are forced to serve in the military without their consent, it fosters deep-seated anger and frustration, prompting them to unite against the authorities.

Introduction of New Leadership

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At this stage a new leader appeared and suggested a new mode of struggle. Mahatma Gandhi returned to India in January 1915. As you know, he had come from South Africa where he had successfully fought the racist regime with a novel method of mass agitation, which he called satyagraha.

Detailed Explanation

Mahatma Gandhi's return from South Africa marked a pivotal moment in India's national movement. He brought with him a new form of protest known as 'satyagraha,' which means 'truth force' or 'soul force.' This method emphasized non-violent resistance and the power of truth over aggression. Gandhi had experienced significant successes fighting against racial discrimination in South Africa using this approach, and he believed it could also be effective in India against British colonial rule. This laid the foundation for more peaceful yet powerful forms of protest that would mobilize people across the country.

Examples & Analogies

Think of 'satyagraha' as a kind of moral protest, much like how today people might gather in peaceful demonstrations carrying signs to express their views without resorting to violence. Gandhi’s approach was to convince oppressors through peaceful means rather than fighting them with weapons. His belief that truth and non-violence could be the strongest weapons influenced many to join the freedom struggle.

The Idea of Satyagraha Defined

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The idea of satyagraha emphasised the power of truth and the need to search for truth. It suggested that if the cause was true, if the struggle was against injustice, then physical force was not necessary to fight the oppressor. Without seeking vengeance or being aggressive, a satyagrahi could win the battle through non-violence. This could be done by appealing to the conscience of the oppressor. People – including the oppressors – had to be persuaded to see the truth, instead of being forced to accept truth through the use of violence.

Detailed Explanation

Gandhi’s concept of 'satyagraha' revolved around the pursuit of truth through non-violent means. He believed that when a cause is just and fights for injustice, it can win without resorting to violence. The strategy involved appealing to the moral authority of adversaries, convincing them to acknowledge the truth through peaceful discussions rather than forcing compliance through aggression. This meant that both the oppressed and the oppressor could engage in a dialogue to find common ground based on truth rather than continue a cycle of violence, fostering understanding.

Examples & Analogies

Consider a classroom scenario where a student stands up against bullying. Rather than fighting back, the student seeks to calmly discuss why bullying is wrong, aiming to change the bully's behavior by making them understand the impact of their actions. This reflects Gandhi's belief that true strength lies in persuasive, non-violent communication rather than physical confrontation.

The Rowlatt Act and Its Impact

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Emboldened with this success, Gandhiji in 1919 decided to launch a nationwide satyagraha against the proposed Rowlatt Act (1919). This Act had been hurriedly passed through the Imperial Legislative Council despite the united opposition of the Indian members. It gave the government enormous powers to repress political activities, and allowed detention of political prisoners without trial for two years.

Detailed Explanation

The Rowlatt Act was a significant turning point for Indian nationalists. It was introduced swiftly to suppress political discontent following World War I and allowed for harsh measures against any form of dissent. This included arrest without trial and repression of political activities. Gandhi saw this as a violation of civil rights and initiated a nationwide movement to protest against it. His call for a non-violent opposition resonated with many Indians who felt increasingly oppressed by colonial rule.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a community where new laws are suddenly passed that allow the government to detain people without a fair trial simply for speaking out against those in power. This would likely cause a huge backlash and prompt citizens to organize protests. Gandhi's response to the Rowlatt Act was similar; it united people across India in a common cause against perceived injustice.

The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

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On 13 April the infamous Jallianwalla Bagh incident took place... Dyer entered the area, blocked the exit points, and opened fire on the crowd, killing hundreds.

Detailed Explanation

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre was a tragic event where British General Dyer ordered troops to fire on a peaceful crowd that had gathered to protest against the oppressive rules, including the Rowlatt Act. This incident resulted in the deaths of hundreds and heightened anger toward British authorities. It illustrated the brutal measures the British were willing to employ to maintain their rule, galvanizing Indian sentiment against colonialism and prompting widespread protests.

Examples & Analogies

Think of it as a peace rally turned deadly due to police intervention. If during a peaceful protest for rights, law enforcement reacted violently, it would outrage the public and likely lead to more protests, seeking justice for those harmed. The Jallianwala Bagh incident had similar ramifications, leading to increased demands for Indian independence.

The Khilafat Movement

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Mahatma Gandhi now felt the need to launch a more broad-based movement in India. But he was certain that no such movement could be organised without bringing the Hindus and Muslims closer together. One way of doing this, he felt, was to take up the Khilafat issue... A Khilafat Committee was formed in Bombay in March 1919.

Detailed Explanation

The Khilafat Movement aimed to protect the Ottoman Empire and its leader, the Khalifa, after World War I. This movement was crucial in fostering Hindu-Muslim unity, which Gandhi believed was essential for a successful independence movement. By linking the Khilafat issue to the broader national movement, Gandhi sought to create solidarity among various religious communities in India, integrating diverse sections into the struggle for independence.

Examples & Analogies

Picture a community facing a common threat from an external authority. By aligning their interests—perhaps by organizing joint festivals or cultural events—members of different religious backgrounds might band together in solidarity, just as Hindu and Muslim leaders united under Gandhi’s influence to address the shared battle against colonial rule.

The Non-Cooperation Movement

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In his famous book Hind Swaraj (1909) Mahatma Gandhi declared that British rule was established in India with the cooperation of Indians... The Non-Cooperation-Khilafat Movement began in January 1921.

Detailed Explanation

In 'Hind Swaraj', Gandhi argued that British rule was maintained primarily through Indian cooperation. Thus, he believed that if Indians collectively refused to work with the colonial government, they could dismantle British rule. This belief led to the launch of the Non-Cooperation Movement, which was a concerted effort to boycott British institutions and products. From schools to courthouses, Indians were urged to withdraw support, fundamentally shifting the dynamics of resistance against colonial authority.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a group of friends deciding to stop buying from a business that treats its employees poorly. By refusing to shop there, they hope to bring about change. Similarly, Gandhi called on Indians to stop cooperating with the British government, hoping that collective refusal would weaken colonial rule.

Definitions & Key Concepts

Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.

Key Concepts

  • Modern Nationalism: A growing sense of identity and collective belonging among Indians fighting against colonial rule.

  • Economic Hardships: The economic pressures from the First World War exacerbated discontent among diverse Indian communities, uniting them against colonial rule.

  • Satyagraha: Gandhi's philosophy of non-violent resistance which played a critical role in India's independence movement.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.

Examples

  • The Jallianwala Bagh massacre as a pivotal moment that incited national anger and a unified response.

  • Unity between Hindus and Muslims during the Khilafat Movement, demonstrating inter-community collaboration.

Memory Aids

Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • Gandhi marched in light, against the night; Non-Cooperation was the fight, for India's right!

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a small village where everyone, despite their differences, united under an old banyan tree to resist the wrongdoings of a faraway king. This unity grew, and soon even towns behind the hills joined to take care of a shared legacy—their freedom.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • RAP: Repression, Awareness, Protest - the steps illustrating the movement against the British.

🎯 Super Acronyms

SILVER

  • Satyagraha
  • Independence
  • Leadership
  • Victory
  • Equality
  • Rights - key ideas in India's freedom struggle.

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: Satyagraha

    Definition:

    A philosophy of non-violent resistance founded by Mahatma Gandhi, emphasizing the power of truth and moral righteousness.

  • Term: Khilafat Movement

    Definition:

    A political campaign in the early 20th century aimed to protect the Ottoman Empire and the position of the Khalifa.

  • Term: NonCooperation Movement

    Definition:

    A mass protest organized by the Indian National Congress against British rule, urging Indians to boycott British institutions and goods.

  • Term: Rowlatt Act

    Definition:

    A 1919 law that allowed the British colonial government to imprison Indians without trial, leading to widespread protests.