Detailed Summary
The Rowlatt Act, enacted in 1919, was a reaction to the unrest and rising nationalist sentiments in India. This law allowed the colonial government to detain individuals without trial and suppress political activities severely, leading to significant public outrage. Mahatma Gandhi recognized the injustices of this Act and proposed a non-violent, nationwide satyagraha (non-cooperation movement) to resist it.
The movement began with a nationwide hartal (strike) on April 6, 1919, encouraging a collective stand against oppressive legislation. Protests erupted across cities, but the British response was swift and violent; in Amritsar, police fired on peaceful protests, leading to the infamous Jallianwala Bagh incident on April 13, where numerous lives were lost.
Gandhi's strategy of appealing to the oppressors' conscience and promoting nonviolent resistance captured widespread support, but it also exposed the tensions and varying interpretations of nationalism among different Indian communities. The challenge of unity persisted as differing groups came together to oppose colonial rule, yet struggled to reconcile their diverse aspirations for freedom and justice. Ultimately, the chaos surrounding the Rowlatt Act highlighted the urgent need for centralized leadership within the national movement and left a lasting mark on the struggle for independence.